Supporting Professionals Summer 2021 Who Study, Protect, and Manage Volume 34, Issue 2 North America’s Rivers

Journal

Mollie Chaudet Congratulations — 2021 RMS Award Winners

The 2021 River Management Society Awards were presented the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council. virtually in April, and following tradition, the recipients had no Several of Jennifer’s coworkers helped determine when she idea they had been selected. This year, four of five recipients would be available as she was not attending the symposium.) were “present” and surprised as their awards were presented in the virtual Zoom space. Outstanding Contribution to the River Management Society RMS President Judy Culver presented awards to three This award, open only to RMS members, recognizes RMS members during the symposium opening on April 12: Rod contributions to the success of the River Management Society Bonacker and Mollie Chaudet, Outstanding Contribution to the itself. This award recognizes contributions at the national or River Management Society, and Colter Pence, River Manager regional level that result in greater organizational effectiveness, of the Year. Coworkers and others assured these award winners efficiency, growth, positive change, or enthusiasm. The award would be present. George Lindemann received the Outstanding focuses on impact on the organization as a whole, rather than a Contribution to River Management award on April 13, just particular length of service. before he spoke at the symposium — because he was a speaker, Mollie and Rod are recognized for their many it was easy to assure that he would be present to receive his accomplishments supporting river management training, award! (Jennifer Reed, the Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers especially the work they did for the Eleven Point Ranger award recipient, was recognized during a Teams meeting of (continued page 4) Executive Director’s Eddy RMS President’s Corner

Main Office Light looms large as we arrive at the Risa Shimoda, Executive Director PO Box 5750, Takoma Park, MD 20913-5750 end of the pandemic tunnel! We hope (301) 585-4677 / cell (301) 502-6548 [email protected] visitors who return to newly discovered joy and freedom of river recreation also River Training Center River Studies and Leadership Certificate develop skills to enjoy them safely. We Angie Fuhrmann, Coordinator also hope that as they learn to love their (480) 818-3649 / [email protected] experiences, they will see the importance National Rivers Project of stewarding the resources that need and James Major, Coordinator (540) 717-3595 / [email protected] deserve sufficient human resources and wise protocols critical for their endurance. Communications Bekah Price, Coordinator What lies ahead as public health (423) 943-2000 / [email protected] officials field creative incentives to Professional Purchase meet COVID-19 vaccination goals, and Rick Waldrup, Lead (406) 925-1554 / [email protected] pandemic response restrictions lift? Outdoor Participant (COVID and Anja Wadman, Assistant (801) 388-2214 / [email protected] Beyond), a special report completed by the Risa Shimoda Judy Culver Outdoor Industry Association (March 31, Darin Martens, Swamper (307) 413-9913 / [email protected] 2021) shared the following that you may include travel, resuming other covered and the expertise of our As river managers going educate the users of our nations waterways have already factored into your plans or activities, and family demands. instructors, and they were each expertly through our professional and personal and to provide examples to the RMS RMS Store / Merchandise Judy Culver are experiencing in the field: coordinated and hosted by RMS’ River river gear trying to figure out how we can board and members on what has worked (928) 443-8070 / [email protected] make the good, the bad, and the ugly work or may work to create inclusive messaging • Those who participated in an outdoor Rivers are “open for business” and Training Center Coordinator, Angie for one more season due to the shortages and recruitment of river stewards and RMS Journal activity for the first time alone did so we both celebrate the visitation, permit Fuhrmann. Thank you Angie for the job Caroline Kurz, Editor / Design in the supply chain something keeps managers. (406) 549-0514 / [email protected] close to home and chose an activity demand, full outfitter trips, andbackorders well done, and to our expert webinar nibbling at my subconscious. Do you have examples of how with a low barrier to entry (e.g., (unless you have been shopping for presenters: Fred Akers, Kai Allen, Our challenges to educating new to bridge the gap in river safety and National Officers Judy Culvert, President, Taos, NM walking, running, biking, hiking, hard goods and hoping for immediate Mollie Chaudet, Steve Chesterton, Shana river users include not only social media’s recreating messaging for multiple (928) 443-8070 / [email protected] etc.). Vacations were also an entry delivery). While Tahe Outdoors, one of Stewart Deeds, Liz Lacy, Emma Lord, misinformation but how to reach new languages or those from the low income, users that do not know that someone, in inner city or suburban areas? Do you Shannon Bassista, Vice President, Boise, ID point (e.g., trying kayaking while on a our Symposium sponsors, generously Jim MacCartney, Colter Pence, Jennifer (208) 373-3845 / [email protected] fact, manages the river system and where have ideas on how to improve accessible fishing trip). offered a SUP / Kayak Kit, they could Reed, Sharon Seim, Nancy Taylor, Cassie to find valid information? Is this a new messages in areas for which there are isn’t Helen Clough, Secretary, Juneau, AK • Although new participants report only promise delivery in the fall. Another, Thomas, and Monica Zimmerman. We challenge, no, but the magnitude of first cell coverage or power? (907) 790-4189 / [email protected] more screen time (TV and online) when asked whether they would be appreciate and applaud you! time users effects every responsible river RMS is seeking those who wish to Rob White, Treasurer, Salida, CO since the onset of the pandemic — attending this year’s major international As we venture into what looks like user out there. be on a committee to help us spearhead (719) 221-8494 / [email protected] presumably to replace things they paddlesports trade show (The Paddle a season of unprecedented heat, consider River managers are now faced with these efforts whether you wish to provide a diverse group of users who are actively feedback, just listen or have ideas you Emma Lord, Chapter Liaison, Loudon, NH did before COVID like going out to Show in Lyon, France) to take orders for taking a break to attend an upcoming (518) 728-4029 / [email protected] seeking new or repeat experiences on would love to share or to provide ideas restaurants, bars, or events — they 2022 mused, “We don’t really need to, River Management Roundtable session. our rivers, lakes and trails who have that this committee can work through and Ex-Officio Advisors also hope to reduce their screen time given the demand we are seeing!” We continue to offer both On the River Linda Jalbert, Past President never heard of Leave No Trace, Tread build from. Committee meetings will (928) 638-7909 / [email protected] as restrictions lift. Please share what you are discussions such as the discussion of Lightly or situational awareness? Many work around participants schedules and • Outdoor activities are a cost-effective experiencing vs. last and previous years. trade-offs related to establishing user have never been outside of the comfort workload. Bob Randall, Kaplan, Kirsch & Rockwell LLP (303) 825-7000 / [email protected] antidote that can serve as the social Are crowds as large as they were last capacity (on July 13th) and Gearing Up, of their community parks and are using All voices and membership levels unfamiliar equipment or that which is not are welcome to be part of the committee fabric that brings kids, families, and summer? Has your 2020 experience Personally topics that offer exercises you Nate Hunt, Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP adequate for the desired use. How do we or to express your innovative ideas. May (303) 825-7000 / [email protected] communities together safely. prepared your team for this year’s can use in your workgroup or household to welcome and educate users of different our 2021 boating season provide many Steve Chesterton, US Forest Service • More than 60% of those who started visitation? Have you heard stories about help grow awareness and effectiveness as backgrounds, education and socio- opportunities to get out and recreate! u (202) 205-1398 / [email protected] or resumed walking, bicycling, others’ ability to rent or purchase a raft or but threads in a diverse tapestry of cultures economic levels to become stewards of

Editorial Policy fishing, or running/jogging intend to kayak in 2021? Email us at rms@river- and aspirations, on the river and off. u the land while addressing the challenges Articles are not edited for content and may not reflect the continue once restrictions lift. management.org. of language or lingo barriers? How do we position, endorsement, or mission of RMS. The purpose educate those who don’t even know we of this policy is to encourage the free exchange of ideas • About one-quarter of new participants We’ve just finished our six-part exist? concerning river management issues in an open forum said they don’t want to continue the Wild and Scenic Rivers webinar series! Judy Culver of communication among the RMS membership. Unless Risa Shimoda I challenge my fellow RMS members indicated, points of view are solely those of the author. outdoor activities: the top barriers We received high marks for the material Executive Director to develop or express innovative ways to RMS President

2 Journal Summer 2021 3 District recently. Training had opposed to more recent or publications, helping to educate and engage other farmers and in a very low profile for its program. It is almost entirely to Jen’s been planned for a long time project/location-specific developers. In an editorial in The Tennessean, he stated that “this credit that this is now changing. between Ed Sherman (Forest accomplishments). George is the perfect moment to build on the successes of the past and Jen cut her teeth serving on an interdisciplinary team that Service Recreation) on the Lindemann is an enthusiastic encourage the State and Federal legislatures to designate more conducted a Wild and Scenic River review on Arctic Refuge, Eleven Point Ranger District paddler with an appreciation waterways; protect more of nature and bring more commerce completed in 2011 with an Environmental Impact Statement and the River Management for the environment and the to these natural areas. Those who have done well have a special Record of Decision signed in 2015. This endeavor resulted in Society — everyone adjusted nation’s waterways. Whether responsibility to give back. Do well. Do good.” These are words eligibility and suitability findings for four pristine rivers located their schedules and stepped he is paddling with friends and by which George Lindemann lives. in one of the nation’s most remote and untouched conservation out on a limb during a global family on rapids in Tennessee George Lindemann areas, giving these rivers increased protection. These four rivers pandemic to have a virtual five- or through quiet coastal areas in have been recommended for congressional designation. day workshop to share diverse south Florida, he is committed From the time of her in-depth exposure to the Wild and perspectives prior to beginning to preserving and protecting Scenic Rivers Act, Jen has been a staunch advocate for increasing outreach to update the Wild and these special places. He knows the awareness of the protections afforded by the Act. Jen has Scenic River Comprehensive that protecting the water presented at various RMS symposiums, and she has served River Management Plan includes protecting the lands as Alaska’s subject matter expert on Wild and Scenic River (CRMP). This was the first around it. management. Jen ensured that protections afforded by the Act time anyone had held a five-day George doesn’t were incorporated into the Environmental Impact Statement for CRMP workshop virtually. This just appreciate these places, he evaluating oil and gas leases on Arctic Refuge. Her extensive put all the instructors out of takes steps to understand what knowledge of this Act proved indispensable for detailing the their element, and many hours each landscape and habitat effects that a leasing program would have on rivers recommended were donated by instructors contributes to the whole. In for designation. learning a virtual platform and 2017, he organized, funded, and More recently, recognizing the strong protections afforded learning specifics of the Eleven led a coalition of landowners, designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, Jen has focused on ensuring Point River. This workshop conservation groups, and state that all five refuges with designated rivers in Alaska, along enabled the Forest to begin this conservation leaders to secure with her regional leadership, are using this statutory resource update process as a much less unanimous, bipartisan approval management tool to its full potential. She led a multi-year trying endeavor. Rod Bonacker. designating Soak Creek on effort to educate staff about the Act through a series of training Considering that travel the Cumberland Plateau as a opportunities that she organized in cooperation with other was very limited during the fall of 2020, putting this workshop Tennessee State Scenic River — the first new designation in 15 agencies and the RMS River Training Center. Jen facilitated a on virtually was the only option. Mollie and Rod went above and years. His work also made it possible for the state to leverage region-wide effort to identify Wild and Scenic River values on beyond to ensure this virtual meeting was effective and engaging federal funds to add five miles of trail, connecting two state the seven rivers within Alaska refuges. The resulting product – a for attendees, and that it covered a wide range of perspectives natural areas. George’s donation of 1,000 acres of land to the to prepare for the upcoming CRMP update process. Having the State of Tennessee came with one request: that public access to Jennifer Reed workshop recorded allowed individuals that couldn’t attend to Soak Creek be provided. catch up and be prepared for the CRMP update process. In 2018, as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary This workshop was a collaboration among the District, of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, George was part Frank Church Wild and Scenic Rivers Award the Forest, the Region, outside consultants with expertise, a of the ceremony to officially open the Soak Creek segment This award recognizes contributions focused on the citizen historian, and multiple disciplines. Archaeology, Biology, of the Cumberland Trail. More recently, George was part of management, enhancement, or protection of designated Wild and Recreation, Fisheries, Hydrology, Geology, Planning, Lands, the movement to name Piney Creek a Tennessee State Scenic Scenic Rivers. As with the Outstanding Contribution to River and many more Forest Service areas were represented. Mollie River. In June 2020, the Tennessee legislature made this special Management, this award recognizes a history of contributions and Rod, assisted by Maret Pajutee, brought very powerful designation. with a broad geographic scope (as opposed to more recent or collaboration and consulting skills based on their past experience These years-long efforts have resulted in more access, project/location-specific accomplishments). working within the Forest Service. This workshop set the stage better protections, and collaborations for future plans and As one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s for the Forest Service to identify a long list of partners and programs. Because of his conservation work, George was named representatives to the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers communities to collaborate with as it updates this half-century 2017 Conservationist of the Year in Tennessee. Protecting the Coordinating Council, Jen Reed provides national Wild and old plan. It also set the stage for experts on the Forest to conduct waterways is critical, but they are not protected in isolation. Scenic River policy guidance to an agency whose Wild and the necessary work over the winter to begin outreaching to the George continues his work in the watershed. He recently donated Scenic River management responsibilities have not always been public in Spring 2021. The workshop has given everyone that 2000 acres to TennGreen for preservation and research. He used widely recognized. While her official job title is Visitor Use attended the tools to build bridges with partners and effectively the Southeastern Grasslands Initiative to inventory the landscapes Manager at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, for the past engage the community as the CRMP is updated. and wildlife on his Cumberland Plateau farm and advise on several years Jen has worked tirelessly at a regional and national The bottom line is that these instructors put themselves restoring native grasses. In the process, he found that his level to ensure that her agency’s Wild and Scenic Rivers program out of their element to meet the needs of a Forest during a previously clear-cut lands can be managed to encourage native has been able to maximize the benefits of the strong resource global pandemic. They learned a virtual platform, dealt with the grasses to grow, which can be used to feed his cattle. George has protections embodied in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. hiccups, and pulled it off! Mollie and Rod have provided many written articles to show other farmers how they can be useful, Unlike its sister agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service river management training sessions over the years and are key efficient, profitable, and mindful of the landscapes and wildlife, has few Wild and Scenic River management responsibilities instructors for the River Training Center. improving habitat and encouraging repopulation of native flora outside Alaska. Within the state, however, the agency manages and fauna. seven Wild and Scenic Rivers, some of them seeing relatively Outstanding Contribution to River Management Award He has sponsored seminars and conferences to support high visitation pressure due to their superlative recreational and This award is open to all and recognizes a longer history and encourage research regarding medicinal plants, including subsistence values. Fish and Wildlife Service’s relatively low of contributions to the greater field of river management (as Wild American Ginseng. George has written for a variety of number of Wild and Scenic Rivers had, until recently, resulted

4 Journal Summer 2021 5 regional report detailing each river’s ORVs, free flowing character, water quality, and the interdependency between water resources and other Paddle The Kish In Marengo values – has been recognized as a by Pat Lawlor major achievement by FWS regional Paddle the Kish in Marengo is a volunteer group leadership. started in 2018 by a group of frustrated paddlers. From Jen continues to work tirelessly to Union, IL, through Marengo and to the county line ensure that Fish and Wildlife Service with Boone County, there are 14 beautiful miles of policy is consistent with Wild and Kishwaukee River flowing through the western side of Scenic River Act mandates, and that McHenry County with no access and too many logjams refuge staff and key regional managers to count. are able to benefit from training Although the Kishwaukee headwaters are in offered by the River Training Center. Woodstock, it is not until Union that the Kish is Within the interagency council, usually navigable, at least in spring. From Marengo she has contributed significantly to and west, the Kish is generally about 20-40 feet wide the development of user capacity and 4-10 feet deep and navigable all season. The group planning guidance. She is currently has a Facebook page Paddle the Kish in Marengo the council’s sole representative from that has garnered 861 volunteers to date, a web page Alaska, a state with 25 designated paddlethekishinmarengo.com, and our own YouTube WSRs that are subject to the Alaska channel Paddle the Kish in Marengo. National Interest Lands Conservation Colter Pence Two new launches have been established. Siems Act’s (ANILCA’s) often confusing Memorial Park at 16351 Highbridge Rd in Union requirements. Jen is a constant advocate for rivers. regulations across the Flathead Wild and Scenic River system. has a launch within the park with easy access and Colter is a leader for the Forest in working with BNSF parking. Woodbine Launch is at 860 Woodbine Lane River Manager of the Year Railroad on their Oil Spill Response Plan and emergency in Marengo. It sits in the northeast corner of Deerpass Colter Pence is a regional and national asset to river response training. As concerns for the impacts to the Middle Fork subdivision on land owned by the City of Marengo. management. Her commitment is exemplified by her actions. Wild and Scenic River continue to grow, Colter’s leadership, There is a driveway, parking lot, a driveable dirt road to These actions span from a local commitment to work across knowledge and feedback working alongside BNSF Railroad and a boat drop off area, then a 300’ path to the Kish. This agencies to manage the Flathead Wild and Scenic River to other agency partners, has contributed immensely to working on area was all neglected brush and overgrowth that was volunteering to take on regional and national responsibilities. this increasingly important management issue. cleared and constructed by volunteers. Other access Since 2018 she has volunteered to present and train others Colter stands out as a River Manager. She is dedicated and points are N Union Rd, Deerpass, Hwy 23 and Thorne regarding Wild and Scenic River management. In 2018, when locally focused but the actions that she takes on the Flathead help Rd, although those generally have no parking other the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was other river managers across the country. u than roadside. The group is working on developing celebrated, Colter set the “gold standard” for promoting the Before and after, volunteers clear treefalls. more parking access. occasion through social media and a variety of presentations. She Most of the land on either side of the Kish in built a strong social media plan for the Flathead National Forest McHenry County is low wetland with no visible and then implemented the actions in that plan. She led several The RMS Board and the buildings or development for most of the passage. presentations about the history of the Flathead River system Because of this the land is full of birds and animals, and its impact on the national Wild and Scenic River system. awards committee thank all and a great place to fish. The Kishwaukee is a Class This included a presentation at the 2018 River Management A river in the State of Illinois, the last one to be Symposium, University of Montana Wilderness Issues Lecture who submitted nominations, developed. Paddling on the Kish seems remote and Series, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation guest lecture peaceful, with only bird and animal noises to be heard. series. and we encourage you to One would never guess that a city and civilization are Colter has been a core team member for the Northern so near. Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute planning group. In this resubmit nominations this Another thrust of the group is to clear the Kish of role she has advocated for more Wild and Scenic River related all the treefalls from the past decades. It is amazing training and has taught about Wild and Scenic River management fall for those who were not how many jams a dedicated group of 4 people with during that training session. In 2021 she taught a Wild and a chainsaw can clear in a Saturday morning! There Scenic River Management session for the RMS River Training winners this time around — are still many chokepoints, but the clear sections are Center. Colter strives to improve on the ground management Siems to just past 176, Deerpass to Ritz Rd and east of of the Flathead River. For example, through her efforts and the committee acknowledges County Line Rd. The volunteers are working hard this commitment, the Flathead National Forest and Glacier National year of low water levels to connect these sections for Park have furthered their efforts in coordinating and sharing in a that making selections is a easier paddling. river ranger volunteer patrol program. Some of the land is owned by the City of Marengo And, volunteers create important trail access. Photos: Pat Lawlor She also improved training and coordinating agency ranger very difficult process, and and McHenry County Conservation District, but a lot patrols and monitoring. She has assured that we are working of the land is privately owned. The group is working agreeable, but paddlers are warned not to step on private land. u together for consistency on management issues and regulations. all who were nominated are with these private landowners in securing permission to This push for interagency cooperation has led to increased public “paddle through.” So far, all the landowners have been Pat Lawlor is an organizational leader for Paddle the Kish in Marengo. awareness of Forest Service and Park Service management and well deserving of recognition.

6 Journal Summer 2021 7 rich environmental systems in the middle This project is a big move for our and restorer. A massive lift, no doubt, of a top 50 US metro area are where community and as anticipated with big and one we are certain is 100% the right Origin’s Origin and Vision fascinating juxtapositionally-informed projects, it’s not without resistance. move to make for the challenges, and experiences can be unlocked. When the One local mayor opposes the project opportunities, we face here along one of park is complete, if we are successful, and his community’s participation. America’s great rivers. by Scott Martin people will wonder how in the world we Land acquisition will take time as the The creation of Origin Park as the spent so much money on a landscape Conservancy only works with willing first amphibious and climate-change This urban river story, like many, begins in a flood. Through that seems so natural, so wild, and so just sellers. And most recently, a local resilient park in the region marks a change January and February 2018, repeated rain and snow events in the space with positive outcomes for people and wildlife alike? “there.” And these experiences must be historical landmark within the site was lost in our history as we move forward in park Ohio’s headwaters pushed the Ohio well outside of its banks. By These are the big questions that drove the shaping of this land, a accessible to all. to arson. design. Bringing people closer to nature curious happenstance, a planning team had simultaneously just 600-acre collection of brownfields, wet woods, and river camps And all building to the fourth. This That said, as one of four metro and embracing the unknown changes begun work exploring the potential future land use for about 600 located in the center of the Louisville metro region within a short land continues to be seen as “throw-away” areas in the US with fully realized in our environment allow for a better acres and 1.5 miles of an ecologically rich, culturally significant, thirty-minute drive of 1.2 million people. land by many. We know that our plan and Frederick Law Olmsted park systems, this understanding and desire to learn about and sadly abused, dumped upon, and forgotten section of the The design firm OLIN Studio and Joseph+Joseph Architects, vision must result in a tangibly emotional community uniquely appreciates the value our impact on the world around us. Origin urban Ohio River waterfront in Southern Indiana just across from under the direction of the nonprofit park leaders with River experience for visitors delivered in large of master planned landscape level work Park is the future of park design — and downtown Louisville. Heritage Conservancy are creating a landscape that will lean part by assets either already present, for parks and parkways. We hope this park climate-change resilience is the foundation As the flooding continued, the planners ran into a park ranger into climate change, and bring people into contact with the rarest or so massive that they are out of our finds its place in this tradition. upon which lasting landscapes will be working hard to set up barriers to prevent people from accessing experience in the relative flatlands of the Upper South — the raw, control. As a nonprofit conservancy driven With profound changes on the horizon built. u a parking lot that was soon to go under water. He was flummoxed muscular, unrestrained power of nature. To guide this ambitious project, that value must be understood and due to climate change, and changing local Scott Martin is the Executive Director in his task. Just as a cone went up, people would push it out of effort, the key was agreeing upon guiding design principles at the latched onto by the public if we are to be economic realities, we see this park site of the River Heritage Conservancy in the way to get as close as they could to the river. They wanted beginning. successful in raising the private funds, and as playing the role of community healer Jefferson, Indiana. to see, smell, and feel the power of the flood. This five-minute First, we acknowledge the Ohio River’s supremacy. All the public support, required to make action observation produced what we hope becomes a pivotal “AH land in the park — be it shoreline, floodway, or floodplain — is happen. (Above) The current Origin Park site and (below) the hopeful future of Origin Park. HA!” moment for our community. river. Whether it is wet ten days a decade or 365 days a year, it is Finally, the name of the project Courtesy: River Heritage Conservancy We learned right then the big question we didn’t know river. was to be grounded in all of the we had been gathered to answer – what if we built a park, a Second, there is tremendous value in putting people in close, stories of the land. Beginning public landscape, aimed at being the place people come to and safe, relationship with big water rivers during all of their with over 10,000 years of human experience during floods?What if we approached the river’s seasons. Only by connecting people to this wildness do we even habitation by First Nations, the most challenging days as its best? What if we created an urban begin to think about redefining our relationship with the wildness initial land grant for what became waterfront park that didn’t freak out when the Weather Channel’s that surrounds us. Our community doesn’t have the Tetons or the State of Indiana, to the Jim Cantore showed up? the Pacific Coast. We do have a lumbering, brown, sober, and beginning of the Lewis & Clark And for the next act, what if we acknowledged the near strong river of massive scale. We sit along a globally significant Corps of Discovery that launched certain impact of climate change in the Ohio River basin? What waterway. This is our Yellowstone. It should be celebrated. from this site, to its place on the if we took the climate change projections seriously and designed This leads to the third. Picking up lessons from our Underground Railroad, and next a park that creates new wildlife habitat, new ways for people to colleagues in Europe and Australia about the value of urban green to the coming changes facing our experience nature and deployed climate change’s local impact spaces, we aim to “rewild” our community. These unfinished, entire planet, we see this site as an to “rewild” our urban waterfront, establishing a dynamic public rugged, green, blue and ecologically (and thus recreationally) “Origin” – a beginning of many Birds Eye Aerial Rendering ways for many people. Thus, the name “Origin Park” was selected. Since work has begun, over 300 acres have been secured for the park. Ecological, recreational, and environmental assessments were all completed. The Corps assisted with an in-depth historical analysis of river flow regimens at this site. Historical and cultural resource reviews were wrapped up. Then, the Master Plan was completed and rolled out to the public in mid-2020. A pilot project (a blueway element with low-head dam removal included) was funded and will open later in 2021. EPA and State funds have been secured to begin remediation of brownfields within the site. Most significantly, serious fundraising is set to kick off in late 2021 for the landscape’s first big moves.

8 Journal Summer 2021 9 for the location, the Des Plaines River was close and thus, the Des Plaines Canoe Marathon came into being with the original length of about 25 miles giving impetus to the name, now shortened to 18.5 miles, with a Minithon of 5.25 miles.

The first race was held in the fall with low water and 25 craft made the challenging run. It was decided then to move the race to the Sunday before Memorial Day when the river was more apt to be bankfull and the trees and flowers in the bloom of spring. (Now it is the traditional race date). The second year saw 106 craft, followed by 156 the third year and 206 the fourth year. The Marathon’s popularity was established, eventually reaching a cut-off limit of 1000 boats. Registration in 2019 was over 700 paddlers.

In scouting, the awards of colorful embroidered patches are important recognitions to both scouts and leaders, and these continue to be awarded each year to everyone finishing the event. Ralph Frese Because the Des Plaines River had been a route of the voyageurs in the years past, a cast figure of a voyageur as the trophy was created and is still the award for certain category first place winners. What Dam Removal Does To

Over the decades the event has been organized by volunteers, who eventually Paddling On The Des Plaines River founded the Des Plaines River Association, whose mission is to conduct In Northern Illinois the annual race and further protection and restoration of the river. It is gratifying that by Don Mueggenborg The Des Plaines Canoe and this effort is still alive and well after 60 years. Don epitomizes the passion held by creating a barrier to the free movement of lifelong paddlers, having first raced in the fish and mussels in an upstream direction Kayak Marathon From the early days of homemade canvas Des Plaines Marathon in 1969. He serves and the poor water quality in the pool over frame constructed canoes, the event as the Registrar for the Des Plaines River upstream of the dam. The run-of-river witnessed the evolution of design and Canoe Marathon, Treasurer for the IPC dams are also dangerous to recreational 66 Years and Still Going Strong – May 22, 2022 materials in canoes, kayaks and standup and St. Charles Canoe Club, and currently users of the rivers due to the hydraulics paddle boards that hopefully will continue “as close to president as we have” for the created downstream of the dam. For to float down the river for many more Southwest Brigade Voyageur Canoe Club. more information, see: https://www2. Edited and expanded by Sigrid Pilgrim exploring the area’s waterways, he wanted kit program, allowing many scouts to decades to come. Come join us in 2022 illinois.gov/dnr/WaterResources/Pages/ u from an article by the late Ralph Frese – to share his passion with the young men in build a small fleet of canoes for their unit and beyond – pandemic permitting. In 2012, former Illinois Governor Pat safetyAtDams.aspx. Founder of the Des Plaines Marathon the program. Starting out by teaching them and others. In the meantime, Ralph was Quinn announced an initiative to remove to build canoes and kayaks with canvas guiding scout leaders on exploratory canoe 63rd Annual Des Plaines Canoe or modify 16 low-head run-of-river dams Many dams were built for purposes no The Des Plaines Marathon, founded in over a frame construction, he discovered trips in the area, showing them how they throughout the state. The goal of the longer needed: to generate power, turn 1957 by Ralph Frese, is much more than a fiberglass and polyester resin with which could add an affordable note of adventure and Kayak Marathon initiative was to improve water quality, mill wheels, and to flush away sewage race. It is the longest running competitive he could build an almost scout-proof to their programs. aquatic habitat, and recreational safety. with the appropriate “Odor Meter” on and citizens’ canoe paddling event in craft much less prone to damage than the May 22, 2022 Run-of-river dams degrade the quality a local river during low water in the the U.S., always held the Sunday before canvas ones. Attendance on these trips reached the 100 Registration starts March 1 of water by creating a stagnate pool of summer. Dam removal lowers the water Memorial Day. The event had its origin mark at times. Before he knew it, there water that has diurnal fluctuations in upstream, and increases it downstream, when Ralph Frese was involved in the This led to the development of a fiberglass were about 400-500 of these little canoes www.canoemarathon.com dissolved oxygen that is conducive to and generally makes paddling safer but scouting program on the northwest side mold copied after a 16-foot Old Town made which prompted him to introduce large algal blooms. The run-of-river dams can also make paddling harder, as noted of Chicago. An avid paddler addicted to Guide model that became the key to a a little bit of fun with a competition. As hotline 847-604-2445 are harmful to aquatic habitat by both below.

10 Journal Summer 2021 11 Struggling To Shift Perspectives Run-of-river dam, Des Plaines in North Aurora. Photo: Don Mueggenborg Through A Kayak Challenge

by Michael Schramm and increased in most places to Audrey Naughton around 18 feet, making island access impractical for farming It may seem incongruous or other uses. that there should be a National Following the passage of the Wildlife Refuge in the Mid- Clean Water Act, water quality Ohio River Valley. Afterall, improved and wildlife began despite great progress, the river to return to the islands, which remains the most polluted in had recently been abandoned North America. Within the Ohio by farmers. The discovery of a In northern Illinois’s Cook County, a favorite paddle is on the Ryerson Dam – I was told that this dam was built by Mr. Ryerson River Valley, industries have Heron rookery on Fish Creek Des Plaines River, site of the annual Des Plaines River Canoe and so his horses could have shallow water below the dam to cross long reigned supreme in the Island in the 1970’s sparked Kayak Marathon (held continuously for 62 years until cancelled the river. It was a messy portage and dangerous to shoot except in imagination of local residents a grassroots movement by in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic) which in 2019 attracted high water. Now there is no problem. who for generations have relied local citizens to advocate for over 700 paddlers, including myself. www.canoemarathon.com upon industry for employment federal protection. The Ohio Hoffman Dam – This is a high dam that had to be portaged and other community benefits. River Islands National Wildlife even though accessing the shore and portaging was illegal in The Des Plaines River Dams – A Pro And Con For The river has traditionally Refuge was formally created Riverside. Now the current and dam remnants in the water make been used for recreation, but in 1990. The refuge currently Removal it quite difficult to paddle and the portage is even harder. local interest in the river has Buckley Island farmhouse. Photo: M. Schramm owns 22 islands, a little more rarely penetrated the surface than half of the islands between Hollister Dam – When I first started racing the Des Plaines River Material Service Dam in Lockport - Dam removal eliminated a of the water. Speaking with Pittsburg and Cincinnati. Marathon, there was a messy portage; then a notch miraculously portage and a large standing wave below the dam referred to as locals, it is clear the river is Each of the islands has unique appeared in the dam. It was a little tricky to maneuver through, Fishnet Rapids. It is better to paddle but still has usually very low seen as a superhighway for coal characteristics. While birds and but I thought it was fun. Now it is safer, and one can paddle right water. over where the dam used to be. barges more than as a unique other wildlife dazzle the eyes, ecological resource, though the history of each island is There are alternatives to dam removal – as shown on the the river is actually home to an palpable; today it is easy to find Dam # 1 – Paddlers often would shoot over the dam – some made neighboring Fox River, where the State of Illinois created a incredible diversity of fish and vestiges of a bygone era. it, some did not and spectators on shore loved it. During low bypass channel creating rapids for the Marge Cline Whitewater other wildlife, including the Clamoring up the bank to the water, paddling over the dam became dangerous. With the dam Course. u removed, the water is very shallow, and it is hard to even paddle greatest mussel diversity in the forest atop the islands, visitors downstream. world. Fortunately, things have will discover abandoned farm Marge Cline Whitewater Course in Illinois. Photo: Karen Ann Miller begun to shift. Less of the land, houses and barns, rusting oil including land on the islands, derricks, and clearings left is being used for farming, and behind where farm fields the once-booming oil drilling once fed the nation. It feels industry has receded. adventurous and inspires Some islands are quite the imagination to visit the large, up to two miles in length islands, but for many local and a quarter mile wide, while citizens, the islands remain others are small and easy to abstract and inaccessible. Why overlook. Before the present should the public care about a system of dams and locks were resource they have not had an established, the summertime opportunity to visit? A lot of flows in the Ohio River were people don’t even realize the so low that many islands could islands are open to the public. be accessed by wading across In order to increase public the river. Horse drawn carts awareness of the refuge as well could utilize an established as of the local ecosystem, the ford to traverse the river refuge has sought to encourage without an axle ever touching visitation to the islands. “The the water’s surface. Therefore, Manchester. Photo: M. Schramm Kayak Challenge” fulfills this no bridges were required and purpose. it was economical to farm the rich soils of the islands. Record “The Kayak Challenge” presents a challenge to outdoor watermelons and potatoes were grown on some of the refuge’s enthusiasts to visit 20 of the islands included within the refuge islands. But as new dams were constructed, the depth of the river via kayak or canoe. Each of the 20 islands has a special sign

12 Journal Summer 2021 13 located at an accessible point on the island’s interior. The kayaker The overall goal of “The Kayak Challenge” is to encourage must take a picture with every sign to document their visit and visitation and awareness of a unique and valuable ecosystem. completion of the challenge. There is also a yellow sign on the The challenge is meant to inspire visitors to get out on the river shore that suggests a good spot for landing and helps direct the and interact directly with the environments that help sustain kayaker to the interior island sign. Once the kayaker has visited local species. Bald eagles and Great Blue Herons have become all of the islands and taken a picture with each sign, they can common along the river. By revealing the beauty of the Ohio share the photos at the visitor center and receive a prize and River islands to new audiences, there is hope that we can shift certificate for their efforts. The first individuals to complete the away from a tired and outdated industry-centric view of the river challenge were River Management Society members David and to a view more closely aligned with what’s actually happening Fife Wicks in May 2021. here: nature is recovering in all its splendor. To inspire a new The islands of the refuge are scattered over 360 miles of generation of environmental stewards, all that’s left to do is get river, so for many it will be more practical to break down the out and enjoy what’s already here. u adventure into a series of short trips. This allows participants to truly experience the Ohio River islands, visit local towns, and Michael Schramm is the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife relish in the biodiversity found here. Additional information Refuge Visitor Services Manager, Williamstown, West Virginia. about public access points, landing sites and signs, and an overall Audrey Naughton is a Biology Intern working with the Ohio Kayak Challenge Map can be found on the Ohio River Islands River Islands National Wildlife Refuge through the Student National Wildlife Refuge website: www.fws.gov/refuge/ohio_ Conservation Association (SCA). river_islands/visit/kayak_challenge.html

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Kayak Challenge — Trip Report —

The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for wildlife native to the river’s floodplain. The refuge consists of twenty-two islands and four mainland tracts scattered along 362 miles of the upper Ohio River.

The Friends of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge created the Kayak Challenge to promote their conservation work by engaging the recreational community and furthering the understanding of the scope and importance of Ohio River islands. Fife and David Wicks, from Prospect, KY ([email protected]). The challenge is simple — visit 20 refuge islands (of the 22 islands owned by U.S. Fish and Wildlife) by kayak or canoe. Each of these islands has a special island sign located at a high and accessible point on the island (there is also an accompanying yellow sign on the shore which indicates the suggested landing point; usually the island sign is just inland from the yellow landing sign).

We, Fife and David Wicks, took on the challenge and canoed to each of the islands from May 23 to May 28, taking selfies at each island. We created a YouTube video of our selfie photos on each island which is a requirement of the challenge.

The adventure was not only about visiting each island, but we also had a beautiful adventure on the Ohio River! u

14 Journal Summer 2021 15 Wisconsin BLM’s Lower Wisconsin River Cleanup — 8 Tons in 8 Hours

by Danielle Donkersloot On March 17, 2020, the Northeastern States District people floating past the island every weekend throughout the partnered with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources summer and the debris was a hazard to recreation. (WI-DNR) to participate in the cleanup of Shack Island in Arena, I realized this was not going to be a typical cleanup. This Wisconsin. This effort resulted in the removal of eight tons of island is in the middle of the river where the currents are always debris and a pre-1960’s Volkswagen (VW) micro-bus. The BLM changing, and the river bottom is constantly shifting. The goal hired a contractor specializing in waterway debris removal to was to clean up the island with the least amount of ground help accomplish the work. disturbance, while keeping the riverbanks in tack. BLM often needs to clean up illegal dumping sites on our The BLM had a small window of opportunity for the lands, but it’s not every day we need to do a major cleanup on cleanup. The river stage needed to be high enough to allow an island. The Northeastern States District is responsible for the workers to get in there with barges and a crew, but could not be management of islands on lakes and rivers, specifically in the too high as to inundate the island. The BLM worked with our states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. These islands are sister organization NOAA and their Senior Service Hydrologist/ enjoyed by boaters, tubers, and campers alike and may range in Meteorologist who provided us with river stage predictions based size from a quarter acre to over 60 acres. on snow melt, precipitation, and the lock/dam water releases from Several years ago, the BLM discovered a trespass issue on above and below the island. This partnership was key in allowing one of the BLM islands on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway the BLM to determine the best time to do this work. (LWSR), in the beautiful Wisconsin Dells region. There were two Cleanup items included hundreds of cinderblocks, fencing, dilapidated shacks, a VW microbus, and various household debris fence posts, the pieces of the shacks, roofs, carpet, water tanks, scattered along the northern edge of the island. That stretch of sheet metal, lumber, household appliances, lawnmowers and even river is part of the protected Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. a sand point well. u The LWSR is an ecological landscape of continental significance, conserving a broad assemblage of important and rare natural Danielle Donkersloot is a Natural Resource Specialist communities and plant and animal species. Therefore, it was and Project Manager for the Bureau of Land Management in important to get this island cleaned up. There are hundreds of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Courtesy: BLM staff)

(Courtesy: Schafer’s Marine Services)

16 Journal Summer 2021 17 Lower Wisconsin Riverway The Effort Continues to Designate Floodplain Wetlands the Fox River a National Water Trail Named Wetland of International Importance by Tangy Wiseman

by Danielle Donkersloot

The BLM Northeastern States District was part of a collaborative Reflections effort that worked to secure the Lower Wisconsin Riverway Floodplain Wetlands as a Wetland of International Importance under the International Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The BLM is responsible for the management of several public islands within the Lower Wisconsin Riverway.

The BLM islands on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway include many large floodplain forests with small pockets of remnant prairie. These islands have extensive sandbars that attract day-use paddlers and campers. Northeastern States District staff partner with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Youth Conservation Corps, and others to manage invasive species and Julie Galonska wildlife habitat on the islands.

RMS has partnered with the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers “This designation further strengthens our network of partners by Coordinating Council (IWSRCC) to highlight the stories of providing a vision for all of us. We look forward to continuing river managers and their involvement in the development of our efforts of caring for these beautiful public places,” said Comprehensive River Management Plans (CRMPs) in an article Francis Piccoli, Acting District Manager, BLM Northeastern series called Reflections. These river professionals have provided States District Office. insight on both their successes and challenges in forming and Lower Fox River in Illinois. Photo: Karen Ann Miller implementing the plans. A variety of challenges are covered from by Karen Ann Miller Lower Wisconsin Riverway — The 48,000-acre Lower three very different river systems. As we begin another paddling Wisconsin Riverway is Wisconsin’s sixth “Ramsar site” and its Application to the National Water our first major update with the assistance season, (I know some of you diehards Trail System also requires inclusion of the of Map Hero, who designed our logo, second largest. The site covers the longest free-flowing stretch On the Snake River Headwaters, Linda Merigliano reflects on like to paddle all year round), the Team following best management practices: website, and brochure. We are also of river in the Midwest and includes approximately 17,700 the impacts of climate change: “We’ve had some really big water that formed a few years ago to develop • Recreational Opportunities working on developing a management hectares from the Prairie du Sac dam to the confluence with the years the past few years. As a result, people are losing property, banks are eroding, and structures are being undermined or lost. a water trail for the Fox River that flows • Education plan which will include our planning Mississippi River. Bank stabilization projects on private lands are also becoming from southeast Wisconsin to north • Conservation process, cultural and historical information

common occurrences.” central Illinois continues to assemble an • Community Support about the Fox River, ongoing stewardship Other partners who worked to secure the Lower Wisconsin application for inclusion in the National • Public Information and conservation efforts, coordination Riverway Ramsar designation include the Wisconsin Department Julie Galonska provides insight on the complexity and Park Service (NPS) National Water Trail • Trail Maintenance with land use plans, trail maintenance, and of Natural Resources, Ho Chunk Nation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife importance of partnerships along the St. Croix National Scenic System. I have been a planner for Kane • Planning recommendations. Service, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Friends of the Lower Riverway. “The more partners we can bring together, the better. County, Illinois, for over 20 years and find There are over 80 access sites on Based on data from the National Park Wisconsin Riverway, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, Our local watershed councils and local universities are also very our national parks awe inspiring, so when the Fox River offering recreational Service, as a designated water trail, the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and private landowners. Many active along the Riverway.” the opportunity presented itself to work opportunities, cultural activities, and Fabulous Fox! Water Trail is expected with a team of professionals around the other local organizations and public officials also supported the places to grab a bite to eat. The team has to benefit from national promotion and Fox River Watershed under the technical educated the public about the Fabulous visibility, mutual support and knowledge nomination. And, Kristen Thrall discusses the nuances of balancing the assistance of Angie Tornes from the NPS, Fox! Water Trail through dozens of sharing, training, opportunities to obtain desires of stakeholder groups. “At the Huron-Manistee National I jumped at the chance. presentations, published articles, technical assistance and sources of Wisconsin’s five other Ramsar sites are: Horicon Marsh, Forest, these relationships were built by discovering potential stakeholder groups early on — everybody was at the table during Over the past few years our team FabulousFoxWaterTrail.org, and the funding, positive economic impact from Kakagon/Bad River Sloughs, Door Peninsula Coastal Wetlands, its development.” As CRMPs age, it’s important to stop and has used data collected from volunteers distribution of over 40,000 brochures. increased tourism, increased protection for Chiwaukee Illinois Beach Lake Plain, and Upper Mississippi reflect on how they have played out over the years in order to to develop downloadable and printable The community has shown its support and outdoor recreation and water resources, u River Floodplain Wetlands. improve the development of plans for future Wild and Scenic maps and information on access input by attending several open houses, and improved public health and quality of rivers. u sites, dams, portaging, and itineraries volunteering to collect data, submitting life. u Danielle Donkersloot is a Natural Resource Specialist and valuable to Fox River paddlers on the letters of support, and passing resolutions Karen Ann Miller, AICP is the Project Manager for the Bureau of Land Management in Visit: www.river-management.org/crmp-reflections FabulousFoxWaterTrail.org website. at the local government level. Executive Planner for the Development Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Check it out! Currently, the team is completing Department in Kane County, Illinois.

18 Journal Summer 2021 19 Trail and part of the Pecatonica Prairie Advancing Silent Sports in Your Community Trail. While these assets benefit the community, they need support groups to help fund them. I was asked if I would be interested in joining the board of the How an Illinois Paddle Club Northwest Illinois Trails Foundation. After Fought the Law and Won I said yes, my involvement in the Illinois Paddling Council has given me lots of by Joseph Ginger information on water access and how to create a water trail. The Trails Foundation This article appeared in March 2021 provided access to Roger Schamberger, silentsportsmagazine.com and is published who might be classified as a force of with permission from the author. nature because of his knowledge and dedication. Friends of the Pecatonica River After high school, while many were Foundation (FPRF) began in the early going off to college, Roger was going to 1980s when the Freeport Park District, Texas for life-saving surgery and rehab Lee Butler paddles past a lone dolomite sentinel along the Pecatonica River — Illinois, sponsored a one-evening class due to a spinal cord injury. The result a testament to the river being older than the last Ice Age. on paddling a kayak. The Freeport left Roger in a wheelchair and a focus Park District bought three Aquaterra on improving his community, Lena, Chinook kayaks as rentals. The kayak Illinois, in every way possible. I met class started it, but people are necessary Roger in October 2003, at the Northwest for the adventure to continue. Enter Rod Illinois Trails meeting. They asked me to Joe Ginger, FPRF President Simenson, a long-time Boy Scout leader, become the Recording Secretary, and I retired from Scouting but still paddling. and canoes. People rented rowboats designated Park District person. The said, “Yes.” Roger also said “Yes” to the Together we paddled Yellow Creek, during the summer. The State of Illinois Illinois Paddling Council came to the concept of a water trail. As a member of Pecatonica River, and Sugar River. For allows for petitioning to declare a stream rescue. They asked each member to mail the Lena Community Park Board (LCPD), some time, one of our groups was using a or part of a stream navigable. Primarily, a permission request to the Freeport Park he was able to gain their support. Roger Friday morning paddle as a team building the stream must have been continuously District expressing their opinion that works for a company that designs and exercise. At times, some of us got together used by the public for twenty-five years, this isn’t a paddler friendly policy. This develops community swimming pools and paddled Yellow Creek. and the Pecatonica River has a long worked as, over the next few years, the and water parks. He knows governmental One day, as I was preparing to launch history of boating and is classified as a Freeport Park District became paddler regulations, Federal and State, Parks and my kayak in Krape Park, considered navigable stream. The Park District had friendly. Recreation, Army Corps of Engineers, and the star of the Freeport Park District, a canoes and paddle boats for rent for many The attention to Yellow Creek EPA rules. What he doesn’t know he’ll police officer told me it was against Park years. We were totally ignorant about happened to coincide with some severe find out. The LCPD Board also included District rules to launch in Krape Park. Illinois Riparian Law, but fortunately the flooding along that stream, which Joe Green, an engineer and businessman After several years of launching in the Pecatonica River was used to transport developed two significant logjams. A with many related design and business park, I was shocked. I checked with a Park lumber and cattle. There was even a search for someone to blame had the skills that help us keep our equipment District office worker, who said, “If you steamboat that had carried passengers positive effect of having the logjams running. paddle into the park, you can take out. from Winslow to Freeport. removed, but did little to relieve a One point became apparent: The But no launching.” Codified rules related But what do you do when you are systemic problem: Too much rain and Water Trail needed to become a not- Roger Schamberger tests the metal of his skid loader as he places erosion to owners of land along waterways and told you cannot launch in your local no place to put it meant flooding. The for-profit in Illinois. Several years later, protection at a Pecatonica River fishing pier. All photos: Joe Ginger ownership rights, Riparian Law, in Illinois stream? I contacted the American Canoe Yellow Creek Partnership was formed and we became a 501(c)(3). In Illinois, the was the reason. A park district that rented Association, which told me to contact has worked on issues ever since. It has process is straight forward. You must aspects mentioned because they will likely promoting your water trail. canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats, but Sigrid Pilgrim of the Illinois Paddling been successful in getting stakeholders have officers, a statement of purpose, need to be addressed at a later date. Keep Becoming stewards of a waterway barred the public from launching did not Council. After visits to Park District involved. and a constitution with by-laws. Illinois in mind the unfortunate yet inevitable means you offer your community as a seem right. meetings, the Park District said they were On the plus side, the Yellow Creek charges a fee and yearly renewal. Board need for trash collection and removal. recreational destination. People who Illinois Riparian Law distinguishes going to review and improve their rules Watershed Partnership gave us Lee members receive no compensation. Using Scheduling an annual clean-up paddle will engage in Silent Sports other than navigable streams as waterways having and let me know about launching in Krape Butler, a snowmobiler interested in winter Illinois Paddling Council information encourage stewardship for your stream. paddling are also likely open to start been used for commercial purposes, such Park. Their improvement? trails. I persuaded him to paddle in a on launch site development, a list of Water trail development begins with engaging in paddling when in sight of as transporting material. Fishing does not Pecatonica River canoe trip sponsored existing and possible launch sites was identifying and listing any site being used inviting self-propelled water trips. We count. “A body of water to be navigable by the Honeywell group, which quickly developed. Bridges require an easement and any other access sites providing a have the Jane Addams Trail nearby, which in fact, had to be ‘generally only useful No launching or even converted him to paddling and, later, that defines how much land is controlled length of time reasonable for a paddle comes close to the Pecatonica River in to any purpose of trade or agriculture.’” paddling in the park becoming a founding member of the by the governing body. They may control trip. Remember, it’s possible to put two several places. You can pedal, paddle, and Illinois started this issue in 1842 and has FPRF. more land than you’d expect, and that trips together to create a longer trip. Also hike in Stephenson County, Illinois. an interesting and involved history. allowed. Amenities are important to every could provide room for a parking area keep in mind, especially for children, When you look around your When my family moved to Freeport community, for the people living there at the launch site. It’s best to talk with that map-making should show locations community, consider what you can do in 1952, the Freeport Park District Then a compromise was proposed. as well as for attracting visitors and new area paddlers to determine their favorite of launch sites and other amenities such to make your area more attractive for maintained a structure with rentable A paddler could use Yellow Creek by businesses. Freeport and Stephenson lengths of the river and how long it takes as bathrooms and outhouses. These will recreational use. I hope what I have sections for the public to store rowboats requesting a permission slip from a Counties in Illinois have the Jane Addams to paddle them. Also, to note any negative then be useful as brochures to hand out, presented here will provide inspiration and

20 Journal Summer 2021 21 the means to begin. 33 Dams Down, River Awareness Up: Joseph Ginger, current president of Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation, is a retired mechanical designer, having worked at Honeywell (Micro Switch) for 39 years. With A Conversation About Iowa’s Rivers retirement providing more time to paddle, he quickly found out about area Illinois river access issues and quirks, and then by John Wenck and Risa Shimoda worked with others to make changes for the better. River professionals in Iowa continue 2021 Water Trails & Water Trails Under Development to lead dramatically landscape-altering

W e Lyon s initiatives for over twenty-five years. t Osceola C Dickinson F Emmet e WinnebagoW Worth Update o d Mitchell Howard r k i a n r D n R Winneshiek Allamakee e e b iv Water trails, whitewater parks and as s a e

M g r Kossuth o o R i n iver Sioux e Obrien Clay s you’ll read, dam removals are redefining Palo Alto Hancock Cerro Gordo R Floyd Chickasaw Construction began on the floating dock for Wes Block on the last i v e Tu r R rke ive y R r iv rivers as fun, safe recreation destinations e r weekend of April. Over a dozen volunteers have contributed their Fayette Clayton for residents and visitors. Here, RMS Plymouth Cherokee Humboldt Bremer time and resources to expand the availability of launch sites on Buena Vista Pocahontas Wright Franklin Butler

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a M Jones c removal program. c o o Linn Monona i Tama Benton o n Crawford n S Carroll e R Greene Boone Story Marshall s o iv u e R t r h i v S On May 1, 2021, a dam conversion e k Clinton r u n W k a R p iv s e Cedar ip project on the South Skunk River Water r i n ic Harrison Shelby on R r Audubon Guthrie Dallas Polk Jasper Poweshiek Iowa Johnson ive r Scott e v Trail was dedicated, funded in part by the i R M a iddl n e/S t outh coon Muscatine o Rac b I Iowa Department of Natural Resources a o n w h a s Lake Pottawattamiei R N Cass Adair Washington i Madison Warren Red MarionRock Mahaska Keokuk v t e s Odessa r r (IDNR), along with pledges from the e e Middle Riv Complex W Louisa by Sara Carmichael Outdoor Alliance of Story County, Iowa L Mills o Montgomery Adams Union Clarke Lucas Monroe Wapellow Jefferson er D Henry e Des Moines Whitewater Coalition, the Hawkeye s M o in es R We at Iowa Rivers Revival understand not only the water quality iv er Fly Fishing Association, Skunk River Fremont issues rivers face in Iowa, as explained in the American Rivers Page Taylor Ringgold Decatur Wayne Appanoose Davis Van Buren Paddlers, and the family of Spencer Lee list, but the issues that are moreIowa visible including deadlyRiver low- Revival Veysey. This is the 33rd completed dam State Water Trails (1008 miles) head dams, streambank erosion, and flooding. We have come mitigation project since the advent of a long way from a volunteer based organization 15 years ago. Water Trails Under Development (271 miles) DNR’s River Programs in 2005. Two of Paddling Routes Legislators, media, and the public understand IRR is the voice the DNR grant programs, the Low Head focused solely on protecting, restoring, and enjoying our rivers. Dam Mitigation Grant Program and the Water Trails Grant Program, provided visitors to get closer to the water. Nearly projects include both total and partial Every year we educate the public about these dams through the a significant amount of funding for this 2,000 cubic yards of material from the removal. Note: John is working on a trainings and other outreach events. Some of our most recent project, as well as technical assistance. We riverbank was excavated to open the area similar interactive map that shows IDNR successes include leading the Iowa Department of Natural have 1008 miles of state designated water to the public and to provide protection water access projects which he hopes to Resources (IDNR) Toolbox Training workshops. These weeklong Ames event and ribbon cutting. Photos: Robin Fortney trails. against flooding. A path along with the complete in 2021. trainings are dedicated to educating engineers, architects, and the upstream and downstream portage was John describes the steps they take as conservation community on specific ways to restore a stream or This is a description of this specific included in the project. (Source: City of part of the state’s low head dam mitigation river, including ways to remove or mitigate low-head dams. We project: Ames announcement of the celebration program. “Each dam is unique, and we have 177 low-head dams left in Iowa, having started with over Since 1984, the low head dam posted April 7, 2021.) are careful to listen and learn as much as 200. Since 2008, the IDNR has worked to remove these dams constructed in North River Valley Park The State program is supported by we can about the area and the concerns since they offer no use and negatively impact rivers and water has pooled water in the South Skunk the Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund, and comments from local residents. flow. River to recharge the aquifer that supplies sourced by gambling dollars: other Between 2008 and 2010, we went through Ames with drinking water, however, the program recipients include their lake a statewide planning process for dams and We also advocate for more funding for the IDNR Rivers dam made the waterway inaccessible restoration program. Iowa Rivers Revival water trails. Out of that process came three Program. We have been successful in the past, receiving as much for paddlers due to the dangerous has to work hard to advocate for dam publications: as $2M allocated from state in 2015, and have also been zeroed recirculation hydraulics it created. Now, mitigation funding, and it is not easy when out as we were in 2018. Our best path for success is for the state the dam has been reimagined into a the overall budget changes from one year Developing Water Trails in Iowa to realize the important this work by supporting IDNR with funds recreational asset that still allows water to to the next. There are projects worth $17M to remove more of the remaining unnecessary dams. We also pool, but also creates riverbank access for that are ready for funding, and the list Iowa Water Trails: Connecting People work to get more Iowans out on to our water trails by leading visitors and an exciting water feature for grows each year. with Water and Resources paddling events with the public and with legislators. The best paddlers. way for someone to realize how awesome and important their By placing a sequence of boulder Dams Removed, Others in Process Solving Dam Problems: Iowa’s 2010 plan river in their backyard is to actually get out on the water! weirs in the waterway, a small section of John and Nate Hoogeveen, Director for Dam Mitigation river rapids provides a thrill for kayakers, of River Programs, have developed an We are excited to have celebrated the naming of Ames, Iowa tubers, and canoers. A nearby fish passage interactive map to identify dam projects. Solving Dam Problems: Iowa’s 2010 as the 2021 River Town of the Year in May 2021. This is the allows for the migration of aquatic species Completed dam projects are shown, plan for Dam Mitigation prioritizes all fifteenth year of the award program, and the award is recognized Sara Carmichael is Executive Director of upstream. The improved riverbank access as well as current projects in various the dams in Iowa based on a number as a great honor for any city or town to receive. u Iowa River Revival, Des Moines, Iowa. allows anglers, water trail users, and phases of completion. Dam mitigation of considerations such as the danger it

22 Journal Summer 2021 23 poses, whether it is a barrier to invasives, the degree to which it promotes flooding, and related cultural issues. Allagash Wilderness Waterway Water Trails & A Bit About Nate RMS Northeast Chapter John reminds those unfamiliar with the many great Dam Mitigation Funding accomplishments of the IDNR, that Nate Hoogeveen is probably by John Little the single most influential person and the brains behind their To go or not to go? That’s not the real question. It is when dam mitigation program, as well as their new program of river Fiscal Year Level of Funding to go! The Allagash is the premier wilderness paddling trip in restoration, dating back to the early 2000s. the eastern US. Nowhere else can you find a 90-mile-long lake/ “The push really began after a kayaker drowned while riverJoin watershed that hasUs! been preserved in perpetuity. The upper intentionally paddling over one of the low head dams in 2015 $2,000,000 lakes drain into the Allagash River, creating a more reliable water downtown Des Moines in the summer of 2002. We realized that source than the nearby St. John River. The St. John is only really public education was incredibly important, especially in Iowa canoeable in the spring, while the Allagash will maintain flows where our rivers are pretty tame and the consequences of poor 2016 $1,750,000 throughout the paddling season. Yes, it can get boney, but then river reading is generally minimal. In 2002, Nate founded the you need to add an extra day or so to accommodate the slower Iowa Whitewater Coalition whose primary focus, despite the 2017 $1,000,000 flow and greater quantity of rocks. name, was dam mitigation. A couple years later he spearheaded So, what can the RMS Northeast Chapter participants a conference for Iowa river enthusiasts that led to the formation expect to find on their trip? Firstly, they’ll find wildlife in of another non-profit called Iowa Rivers Revival in 2007. Both 2018 $0 abundance. There are moose, deer, bear, otters, beaver, mink, organizations are active: they focus on connecting people with and coyotes. We might hear the coyote, but by early September, their river resources and improving physical conditions along our we will perhaps see a bull moose guarding a cow while she is rivers for ecological reasons, as well as safety and recreation.” 2019 $500,000 still hanging out on the lake shores with her calf of the year. Or, Looking forward, John offers good news as more and more maybe in the early morning we’ll get to watch a family of otters; people are discovering their state’s rivers: “The choir of voices the young ones goofing off while Mom keeps guard. Or perhaps is growing louder and louder to the point I think legislators are 2021 $250,000 if the weather is hot, spot a bear sitting in the river cooling off. Even in September, abundant water can be found at Allagash Falls. really listening. We are optimistic for the future of our rivers in If bird life is your joy, then there’s plenty to see. The Iowa.” u Canada Goose is likely to be flocking and socializing. The older John Wenck is the Land & Waters Bureau/River Programs Total $6 Million members of the flock will be training the youngsters to strengthen Water Trails Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural their flight muscles. Forty years ago, the Bald Eagle was a rare Resources and a member of the River Management Society. sighting. Today they are numerous and have made it harder to spot the Great Blue Heron or Osprey whom they hassle for fish. And then there’s the little birds who are tucked away in the stream shrubbery or lake shore marshes. Who knows what may d be lurking? Prairie State Canoeists Founded in 1971 Aside from the living denizens of this watershed, there’s a ton of history. The Allagash was home to a thriving logging 50th Anniversary industry in the early 1900’s. Logs originally went out with the by Helen Gretz spring flood to get sawn up in Canada, eventually sparking a “logging war.” Later, logs were worked up the lake chain by Prairie State Canoeists (PSC) is a canoe and kayak not- The Prairie Club had a key role in establishing the Cook County boats and booms to be flooded down into the East Branch of the for-profit social club founded for the enjoyment of paddling Forest Preserves system, Indiana Dunes State Park, and Indiana Penobscot watershed by way of the manmade Webster Cut. After, waterways on organized trips in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Dunes National Lakeshore. the “Tramway” was invented, and still later, they hauled in two Historic relics of the booming logging industry. and other states. We rely on our members to be involved as trip In 1970, a group from The Prairie Club who had a strong steam engines across the ice to make a railway to get over the leaders and as responsible participants for our organized paddles. preference for paddling formed their own breakaway group. They height of land into the West Branch of the Penobscot. And then? In addition, PSC offers instruction for different levels of canoe were incorporated in 1971 as Prairie State Canoeists. The original The Lombard Log Hauler was invented, the predecessor of the and kayak by ACA certified instructors at reasonable prices. members numbered no more than fifty but grew over the years. bulldozer. And eventually the logging industry turned to trucks The founding members were part of The Prairie Club, which 2021 is our 50th anniversary year and we intend to celebrate! and roads. Currently, the remnants of earthen dams, Lombards, was founded as a volunteer organization in 1908 and organized the Tramway, and the steam engines still can be found up there in hikes in this tri-state area as a way for people to get out of So join in the celebration by taking this challenge: the woods, and we’ll visit these sites of Yankee Ingenuity. crowded Chicago. It evolved over the years to include other 1. Paddle five (5) official PSC trips this year This is a very special place, accessible only by the network outdoor activities and acquired several properties for camps. 2. Each trips counts for 10 miles (5x10, get it?) of logging roads in the northernmost parts of Maine. Did we say 3. Prizes, awards, and recognition will be yours! you could also get valuable information about river management?

This region is guarded and serviced by a small cadre of very You can do it! Classes, clean-ups or other activities will not dedicated rangers who are lucky enough to live and work in this count toward the 50 miles. We will keep track of your miles region. We will get to talk to a few of them about their lives and and post the list of 50-Mile Paddlers on the website. Stay work. I look forward to seeing those of you who make it on the tuned for your reward. We are on Facebook and MeetUp, trip this September. And, if there’s enough interest, maybe this along with our website. u trip will be offered again next year! u Please contact John Little, Northeast Chapter Trip (Adapted and reprinted with permission.) Paddlers enjoy prime paddling on the 90-mile chain of river and Coordinator for more information: [email protected] lakes. All photos: John Little

24 Journal Summer 2021 25 Canoecopia

RMS note: Canoecopia is the world’s largest paddlesport Jacobson? Easy peasy. Enter your password, and click on Cliffy. exposition hosted by retailer Rutabaga in Madison, Wisconsin. What about a presentation from someone who lives on the other The annual event is usually mobbed by paddlers from Wisconsin side of an ocean? No massive carbon footprint, expense of an and surrounding states seeking a peek at what’s new for the 8-hour airline flight, or jetlagged speaker! Yes, we love in-person, season. This is a reflection by Rutabaga’s owner about the but if you can get a presenter on their home turf, isn’t that great? experience of COVID-19 in 2020 and pivoting to greet 2021. What about Q&A? We chose a web platform that allows live type chat, live vocal Q&A, and the ability to send direct messages if by Darren Bush the speaker wants to do so. Yeah, different and better. Almost a year ago, I stood up on a chair in the Alliant Energy Center Expo Hall, and croaked out the words “Folks, we need to The Canoecopia Show Guide call it.” Cancelling Canoecopia the day before it was supposed The biggest problem with print is the timeline. We had to to open was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Many finish the entire show guide in late December. It’s beautiful and of our exhibitors were already setting up their booths. It was feels good in the hand, but it also means we can’t add anything ready to go. But it was also, in reality, an easy decision. I knew I once the ink is on the (recycled) paper. would be responsible for spreading a virus that was going to kill It never failed: the show guide would be at the printer and 578,000 people in the United States. It was only a few days later we’d get a phone call from a potential speaker who did some when everyone was shut down and March and April hit us hard. amazing thing and wanted to present, and we’d have to say no. Like most entrepreneurs, I took a few days to absorb the We don’t like saying no, so we’d put them off to the following massive implications of cancelling our biggest event of the year. year. No more. We used to be limited to 78 pages. No longer true. Then, I got the team together and said “Okay, let’s get a plan.” Trying to sort out what can go into the What’s New section is We worked the plan and it worked us, but we made it through no longer a problem: we can accommodate everyone. Virtually the season. Watching the infection rates and vaccine news and unlimited content. We still curate it, of course, but no more trying to make sense of the trends was a constant for me, with my saying ‘no’ to an awesome article or beautiful photography essay. phone notifications going off whenever the AP or Reuters said COVID-19. Buying Product As we approached the end of summer, we looked at We completely rebuilt our website from the ground up. Canoecopia timelines, and realized that even if everything went Attendees were able to go from an exhibitor booth directly to perfectly (and it rarely does), there was no way to do an in- the Rutabaga site and just add stuff to the cart, enter their unique A pre-pandemic Canoecopia. Photo: Darren Bush person Canoecopia. The Alliant Energy Center offered us some code and get their gear at the show price. We could ship most wonderful incentives to make it financially feasible if we limited items, of course, but we also had curbside pickup for those who attendance, but there was no way I was going to do that. A wanted it sooner. For more complex purchases we set up a phone Canoecopia that excludes is not a Canoecopia. bank in the store, and had all our staff to help folks select a boat We had already made many changes in our business using or roof rack, schedule an appointment for pickup, and in the case technology to reduce some of the impact of not meeting in of racks, you can also set an appointment for installation. The person. Zoom calls replaced the conference table, including our question we ask ourselves constantly is this: what’s the optimal tech folks working at home. We used virtual shopping and a customer experience? This didn’t replace laughs, hugs, and the new work order system to space out customers. So why not do a energy that comes from person-to-person interactions, but it was virtual Canoecopia? the next best thing. It was a tough one. It just wouldn’t be the same, I told myself. No smiling faces, high-fives or hugs, no family reunion. Moving Forward I was resistant to my own brain. Then I had the moment where I We received many emails from folks thanking us for remembered the phrase I had used so often this year. It’ll never be allowing them to attend virtually from all over the world. Older like it was. It will be different, and maybe even better. Trying to customers who used to attend in person but now live in Florida recreate an in-person experience would be silly. So why not make or Arizona, and just can’t make it to Madison anymore, are it, in some ways, better? delighted to still be included in the community. Because of that, we’re going to do both a live and a virtual Canoecopia in tandem Speakers for 2022. Brian Woods said that “Even upon the waters of trial Everyone wants to see every speaker, but because of and tribulation, by building the ships of kinship, fellowship, scheduling and maximum capacity of rooms, people miss out leadership and mentorship, we become unsinkable.” on seeing their favorites. What if the size of the speaker room was, I dunno, unlimited? You can’t do that in Euclidean space, We didn’t sink, thanks to our loyal customers and friends. u but online, there are no limits to space. Furthermore, there are no limits to time. With our online speaker platform, an attendee Darren Bush is the owner of Rutabaga Paddlesports — a store can watch any speaker anytime for months after the show is which sells paddling gear, provides lessons, and hosts the annual over. Want to go back and revisit the tips and tricks from Cliff Canoecopia event.

26 Journal Summer 2021 27 in the field or in the visitor center, I was teleworking from home. weather and being “stuck” at home, I had to make some changes. During the summer, teleworking wasn’t so bad, mainly because I River Rangering was only teleworking one or two days per work week. I created a separate workplace on our dining room table so I could see into our backyard. It wasn’t the Niobrara, but it During a Pandemic… It was around this time that information was beginning to come in was nature, kind of. It also helped to differentiate between my about the risks of Covid-19 on pregnancy. I got worried about the “office” work area and my personal library/work area for writing. by Bobbie Roshone science. I religiously wore my mask when dealing with visitors. I established a work routine for a semblance of normalcy. I People also had an opinion on that; one visitor kindly pointed out: actually took a lunch instead of a snack at my desk (or canoe) like 2020 will always stand out in my mind. It was a year “Wearing a mask isn’t good for the baby.” I normally do. I also took two fifteen-minute breaks a day, mid- of upheavals. It was the year of the pandemic. It was morning and mid-afternoon, and took the dogs out to play. the year my child was born. It goes without saying Some people outright scoffed at our protocols for Covid-19. I that there were a lot of struggles and triumphs last had one visitor that asked for assistance reading our river map By March, I knew I was burning out working from home. I year. and while I was helping this person, they sneezed on me. I still stayed stressed, I could hear the dings of my email even when I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but this person smirked was off duty and had the sound muted on the computer. Luckily, When I found out I was pregnant in February, I and didn’t apologize after the fact. Plus, when I used the hand the end was near. The seasonal ranger hired to assist while I was wasn’t sure what to think. We had just decided for sanitizer on the counter, they implied I was overreacting to their on maternity leave was coming up on the end of her tour of duty, employee and visitor safety to close the visitor center “allergies.” After that I developed strategies for using the map and I would be heading back to being a frontline ranger once at Niobrara National Scenic River. under the plexiglass shield. I had a few visitors that tried to only more. talk through the gaps on the plexiglass shield, with their masks I went from a frontline ranger to a telework ranger. A down. Overall, visitors were respectful of our safety precautions Now, I’m back in the office — and with summer approaching, river ranger to a couch ranger. I even got the shirt. and many thanked us for caring. impatiently waiting to get back to my other office, the Niobrara. I’m still creating digital content but I’m interacting with actual I was not mentally prepared for the shift to digital. I also had a few visitors that wanted to touch my belly. One was a visitors and things look brighter again! We will still be observing Instead of demonstrating paddling techniques and little overenthusiastic and thought since I was a public servant, I Covid-19 protocols and limiting our programming somewhat, but pointing out geological wonders, I created webpages couldn’t say no. I kindly explained that was not how that worked. I will be leading field trips, giving pop-up programs outdoors, and social media posts to highlight my river office. I It was a weird summer. and be out on the river with the rest of the crew instead of languishing on the bank, or being a virtual ranger all the time. u became a digital ranger. Wear your life jacket to work day, May 15, 2020. Credit: Wade Roshone Fall began to creep in, and our visitors began to taper off. I started my career as a park ranger to combine my love of Niobrara National Scenic River had a banner year — the best Ranger Bobbie modeling the NPS maternity shirt and quick-dry shorts. education with my love of rivers and the outdoors — and get I was also just starting to show. Between the morning sickness, year in a while for our outfitters. We had a total of 102,766 On vertically challenged folks, it resembles a dress. away from the computer screen as much as possible. I’m the odd which apparently hits at two in the afternoon, and the new center visitors in 2020 (prior to this our best was 80,806 in 2017). Credit: Wade Roshone, 6.20.20 duck millennial that doesn’t care for computers, social media, or of gravity, I felt like a hot mess teaching canoe skills. However, the internet. Give me a paddle, life jacket, or hiking boots any I got to show off modified lifting skills and how to provide I wrapped up my projects, finished out what was needed for day! Or a good book — the one outlier to my luddite tendencies, accommodations for our team. Plus, they all told me I did a great structured data on the website (they needed it done for the NPS the Kindle. I can carry hundreds of books and now they make job and they learned a lot. app that launched this spring), and gave a rundown of my duties them waterproof. Perfect for winding down in camp after a river to the seasonal ranger that would be covering for me during trip. There still was a looming specter that was Covid-19 though, maternity leave. and our safety team determined that many of us were at risk and Suddenly, I became a virtual ranger — I was doing everything should be teleworking as much as possible. The visitor center September 29th was my due date, but I went over by a week. I from behind a screen... creating virtual experiences for visitors was assessed, and plexiglass shields were installed around the was off for three months; maternity leave was a mixed blessing. I stranded at home due to Covid-19. Luckily, even though I’m not information desk. Staff were sanitizing areas of the office and loved being home with my new little man, but I missed my work fond of it I can still use technology, but it still wasn’t the same. visitor center hourly it seemed. routine, the office, and my preferred desk — the river. It went For me, my colleagues, and our visitors. It’s hard to express love, by in a blur though. But when I came back on in January it was evoke emotions, and engage visitors from a 6.5” screen. By mid-summer I was showing my baby belly off in our stylish determined I should stay home and telework. Once more I was a maternity uniform. I also got stuck in my canoe during a river virtual ranger. While most of the nation was dealing with shutdowns and limited rove and had to imitate a turtle to get out. It made for a wonderful social engagement, Nebraska was lucky. As a rural state we didn’t interpretive dance program for the visitors at the landing. It was so much harder this time around. Burnout from the have the same level of high transmission in the rural areas of the previous spring of being a digital ranger had lingered. Teams state. By April, we were looking at ways to safely open the visitor After relating the story during our staff meeting, for my safety, meetings, Zoom calls, and emails that never seemed to end center and provide programming. I decided not to do any solo canoe roves for the rest of the year. further exacerbated the burnout. Building out more digital Since we were working in safety circles to limit staff exposures, interpretive and educational experiences for our virtual visitors I was ecstatic. We opened with limited operations for the summer. this effectively meant I would not be out on the water for the rest helped ground me and positive feedback from people stuck at We wouldn’t be doing much in the way of in-person interpretive of the summer. The ranger I was teamed with also worked the home was a light at the end of the tunnel for me. programming, but we were going to be out on the water! Well, visitor center when I was out in the field and would not be able to some of us would be… help shuttle me. However, I was getting frustrated. I was suffering from seasonal affective disorder. I was becoming depressed. My husband At the beginning of the season, for us mid-May, we did our I spent a lot of time wandering the banks, looking longingly at the pointed out I stopped reading for fun, that I wasn’t writing either. annual canoe training. I’m the lead instructor for the park. I was cool water. I was hot all the time and not just because of summer In my spare time I write poetry and posts for an outdoor centered excited to show newbies the skills they would need to navigate — luckily, we have waterfalls I could stand under. When I wasn’t blog. I hadn’t written anything for my blog in several months due the river. to the screen time I was logging for work. Between the winter

28 Journal Summer 2021 29 enhancing the validity of the Florida Phosphorus Index (PI), a References Cited Evaluation of the Mehlich-3 soil test for phosphorus with implications for crucial tool for assessing the vulnerability of various soils for P Cade-Menun, B.J., K.R. Elkin, C.W. Liu. 2018. Characterizing the phosphorus losses to the environment” (Mylavarapu et al. 2014). forms extracted from soil by the Mehlich III soil test. Geochem. Trans. 19. calculating pollution reduction credits in the mid-Atlantic region “The Mehlich-3 P test would be a fine measurement looking Danovi, A.N. 2011. Phosphorus Distribution in Channel-Bed Sediments in Beaver at the relative value of nutrient reduction. If you look at data out Creek, Knox County, Tennessee. Master’s Thesis, University of Tennessee. Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES). 2018. City of Lake Erie, TP is not so important when it comes to availability by R.H. Simmons of Alexandria Taylor Run Stream Restoration Grant Application for the of P in the water column. What is of concern is the dissolved Perhaps an appropriate subtitle for this Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF). discussion would be: What is of greater importance reactive phosphorus or bioavailable P, which Mehlich-3 does Elrashidi, M.A. 2001. Selection of an appropriate phosphorus test for soils. in measuring for potential phosphorus loading predict” (pers. comm. Luke Baker, PhD, president and CEO of USDA/NRCS, National Soil Survey Center. Washington, DC. impacts on water quality, total phosphorus or Brookside Laboratories). Inamdar S, N. Sienkiewicz, A. Lutgen, G. Jiang, J. Kan. 2020. Streambank bioavailable phosphorus? The Mehlich-3 P test is also the most commonly used Legacy Sediments in Surface Waters: Phosphorus Sources or Sinks? Soil Those with knowledge of regional geology, soil P test in the mid-Atlantic region (Mid-Atlantic Regional Systems 4:30. soils, and hydrogeology have long known that Water Program 2006), as well as recommended by the Virginia Lammers, R.W. and B.P. Bledsoe. 2017. What role does stream restoration play stream bank soils of small order, upper headwater Department of Conservation and Recreation and DEQ (DCR in nutrient management? Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 47:335-371. streams of the inner Coastal Plain and Fall Zone of 2014, 2015) and used by many other researchers (Elrashidi 2001, Mallarino, A.P. 2003. Interpreting results of the Mehlich-3 ICP Soil Phosphorus the mid-Atlantic region, including all of the City of Sims 2002, Mallarino 2003, Danovi 2011, Lammers and Bledsoe 2017, Cade-Menun et al. 2018, Inamdar et al. 2020). Test. Integrated Crop Management News. Alexandria, Virginia, streams, contain low levels of Mallarino, A.P., J.E. Sawyer, and S.K. Barnhart. 2013. A General Guide for Crop phosphorus (P) and are considered phosphorus-poor. Because Al- and Fe-phosphates are the primary source of P in acidic and neutral soils, such as predominantly occur in the Nutrient and Limestone Recommendations in Iowa. Extension and Outreach Nonetheless, to check this assertion, 10 soil samples Publications. 82. inner Coastal Plain and Fall Zone, the Mehlich-3 P test which were taken in 2020 according to standardized Mid-Atlantic Regional Water Program. 2006. The Mid-Atlantic Nutrient removes these minerals along with dissolved and adsorbed forms methods by R.H. Simmons from mineral soil of Management Handbook. exposed stream banks along the three currently is an excellent choice for sampling soils for P (Elrashidi 2001). Murphy, S. 2007. General Information on Phosphorus. USGS Water Quality proposed City of Alexandria projects (Simmons It would be misleading to say that the Mehlich-3 P test Monitoring. Boulder, Colorado. 2020, 2021). significantly understates the amount of total phosphorus to Mylavarapu, R., T. Obreza, K. Morgan, G. Hochmuth, V. Nair, and A. Wright. Soil samples were analyzed for P using the be reduced by a stream “restoration” project because it is the 2014. Extraction of Soil Nutrients Using Mehlich-3 Reagent for Acid-Mineral Mehlich-3 method by Brookside Laboratories, Inc. amount of bioavailable P that is of primary concern for pollution Soils of Florida. Department of Soil and Water Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. As expected, P levels were low in all of the samples reduction and water quality. As the above examples show, the Gainesville, Florida. (Mallarino et al. 2013). Taylor Run P amounts = Mehlich-3 P test is a widely accepted method of measuring Nathan, M., P. Scharf, and Y. Sun. 2006. Evaluating Mehlich III extractants for Available Nutrients for Missouri Soils using Inductively Coupled Plasma 0.21, 0.24, 0.09, and 0.33 pounds per ton of soil/ estimated P loading rates from stream bank erosion. Spectrometry. In: Missouri soil Fertility and Fertilizers Research Update 2005. sediment. The average of the four samples is 0.2175. Even if, for the sake of argument, we used the enhanced version of the Mehlich-3 P test to further measure P, such as Agronomy Miscellaneous Publ. #06-01, College of agriculture, Food and Strawberry Run P amounts = 0.27, 0.27, and 0.37 Natural Resources, University of Missouri. pounds per ton of soil/sediment. The average of the the Mehlich-3 ICP test that uses an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) instrument for measuring a greater content of P forms in a Simmons, R.H. 2020. ‘Why Natural Channel Design Projects are Incompatible three samples is 0.30. Lucky Run P amounts = 0.25, With Natural Resource Protection and the Preservation of Native Biodiversity’ sample, doing so would still not produce statistically significant 0.15, and 0.18 pounds per ton of soil/sediment. The [PowerPoint presentation to City of Alexandria Environmental Policy different results than the Mehlich-3 P test. average of the three samples is 0.19. Commission, December 14, 2020]. The average of all samples above = 0.24 pounds For example, the Mehlich-3 ICP test might potentially ____. 2021. A Review of the Taylor Run Natural Channel Design Stream P per ton of soil/sediment. This data shows that measure up to nearly 30% more P than colorimetric Construction Project in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Unpublished technical the City’s assumed average for P (1.05 lb. per ton) measurements like the Mehlich-3 P test, as some studies suggest report. (Above) Soil sample location and (Below) stream bank soil sample from (Mallarino 2003, 2013, Nathan et al. 2006), yet all of the City Sims, J., R. Maguire, A. Leytem, K. Gartley, and M. Pautler. 2002. Evaluation of is nearly 5 times higher than the actual samples. While most exposed Potomac Formation soils along the south branch of Lucky Run, of Alexandria stream samples, including those for Taylor Run, Mehlich 3 as an Agri-Environmental Soil Phosphorus Test for the Mid-Atlantic P in soil is tightly adsorbed to soil particles, total phosphorus City of Alexandria, Virginia. Photos: Rod Simmons (TP) is a measure of all the forms of phosphorus, dissolved or would still show P values many times less than the default value United States of America. Soil Science Society of America Journal - SSSAJ: particulate, that are found in a sample (Mallarino 2003, Murphy nutrient reduction crediting because favoring TP stream bank soil of 1.05 lb. P per ton (Walter et al. 2007). The Mehlich-3 ICP test 66. Urban Stormwater Working Group (USWG). 2019. Consensus Recommendations 2007, Lammers and Bledsoe 2017). Phosphorus is highly testing, as opposed to bioavailable P testing, will significantly of the average of the four Taylor Run samples would be at most for Improving the Application of the Prevented Sediment Protocol for Urban concentrated in human and animal waste and fertilizers, as overestimate the nutrient reduction values and credits for P, 0.28 lb. P per ton of soil/sediment. That is nearly 4 times lower than the inflated, misapplied figure of 1.05 lb. P per ton used by Stream Restoration Projects Built for Pollutant Removal Credit. Chesapeake opposed to phosphorus-poor stream bank soils, and is probably resulting in cost-inflation of projects and limited pollution- Bay Program (CBP) Partnership. Annapolis, Maryland. the main nutrient of concern affecting water quality downstream. reduction benefits. In fact, using TP values for nutrient reduction the City for nutrient reduction crediting. Therefore, if we used the Mehlich-3 ICP test for P, a pound of P would cost $60,000, not Virginia Department Conservation and Recreation (DCR). 2014. Virginia Bioavailable P is considered to be the fraction of TP with the crediting would seem to give us the same problem all over again Nutrient Management Standards and Criteria. Department of Conservation and $16,000 per pound as incorrectly reported by the City (Simmons potential to cause excessive algal growth and eutrophication in that was discovered in using the inaccurate, inflated default P Recreation, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Richmond, Virginia. 2021). downstream waterways and the Chesapeake Bay, therefore it is a metric (1.05 lb. P per ton of soil/sediment) from legacy sediments Virginia Department Conservation and Recreation (DCR). 2015. Standard regulated nutrient/pollutant. in an agricultural district in the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley of While the Urban Stormwater Workgroup (USWG), which Operating Procedures for Managing and Reporting Agricultural Non-Point Data from relatively few stream bank studies for TP suggest Pennsylvania (Walter et al. 2007). For this reason, the use of the provides guidance to DEQ and other regulatory agencies for Source Data to Virginia DEQ: Quality Assurance Project Plan. Department that bioavailable P is usually less than 25% of TP, and because default metric is no longer allowed by the Virginia Department of determining pollution reduction credits, recently recommended of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. of the difficulty of quantifying P bioavailability in TP testing, Environmental Quality (DEQ). that the EPA Method 3051 plus 6010 test for TP (total-sorbed P) Richmond, Virginia. alternative testing methods to estimate bioavailable phosphorus, The Mehlich-3 P test is an approved and recommended be used for all stream bank soil samples collected (USWG 2019), Walter, R., D. Merritts, and M. Rahnis. 2007. Estimating Volume, Nutrient such as the Mehlich-3 method, are recommended (Lammers and soil P test by the USDA’s North Central Regional Soil Testing DEQ has not officially adopted this policy recommendation. Content, and Rates of Stream Bank Erosion of Legacy Sediment in the Bledsoe 2017). Moreover, most soil tests do not directly measure Research Committee number 13 (NCR-13) for the acid/neutral Not requiring or utilizing stream bank soil tests for TP Piedmont and Valley and Ridge Physiographic Provinces, Southeastern and Central PA: A Report to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental the total amount of available nutrients in the soil “because there soils of the North Central Region of the United States (Watson instead of tests for bioavailable P is probably a wise course of Protection. is usually not a clear-cut distinction between available and action until more is learned of P dynamics in waterways and and Mullen 2007). It is adopted as a reference method by state Watson, M. and R. Mullen. 2007. Understanding Soil Tests for Plant-Available unavailable nutrients” (Danovi 2011). extension laboratories in several southern U.S. states, especially quantifying the potential impacts of TP loading from stream bank u Phosphorus. Ohio State University Extension. Columbus, Ohio. This is important to note when quantifying P loading for for its “broad range of applicability and significant advantage in... soils on water quality.

30 Journal Summer 2021 31 Thank You! From Mountain Creeks to Metro Canals, From RMS Training Symposium Sponsors and Partners Dining Room Desktops to Living Room Laptops

Reflections on the 2021 Symposium

by Bekah Price

As we reflect on the long-awaited and eventually virtual 2021 In the various sessions, we learned how colleagues are balancing River Management Symposium, we are amazed by the flexibility, demand and capacity with recreational safety, as well as best creativity, and patience of organizers, presenters, sponsors, and practices for visual resource management, ecological protections, attendees. Without your professionalism and grace, we would not and infrastructure design. Presenters also shared about the have been able to offer such incredible programming. So we must importance of partnerships and collaboration for river-based first say, “Thank you so much!” to everyone involved. regional renewal.

The “From Mountain Creeks to Metro Canals” Symposium The field trips provided an awesome history of theJames River celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Virginia State Scenic and Richmond’s critical role in the Confederacy and the nation Rivers Program and was presented by RMS in partnership with (http://bit.ly/james-history), as well as an up-close and personal Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia Department insight into the ubiquity of the James River Batteau in the 1770s of Conservation and Recreation. (http://bit.ly/james-batteau), a Google Street View style tour of the James River with Terrain 360 (http://bit.ly/james-river-tour) Even in the virtual format, we were able to offer three concurrent and a visit with breaching sturgeon and their return to the James sessions daily on seven tracks, plenary sessions, student River. presentations, virtual field trips, river trivia and prizes, and our most successful silent auction yet. Once again, it brought together Students showcased their amazing and promising studies taking more than 200 river professionals from state and federal agencies, place across the country, from classrooms in Hawaii and Arizona conservancies, advocacy groups, universities, municipalities, and to Minnesota and Virginia, including opportunities they are outfitters. developing with field scientists and river managers. (continued page 35)

DE OUT SI D E O R O I R F

32 Journal Summer 2021 33 (Symposium, continued) Of perhaps the greatest significance to river management today 2020 Statement of Activities were the presentations exploring historical inequities and what 2020 Annual Report we can do to make rivers and river management more welcoming Revenue 2020 2019 for all. One of the newest and most exciting solutions is the One by RMS staff and Shannon Bassista ($) ($) Virginia Plan, the nation’s very first statewide diversity, equity, Events 12,791 28,273 and inclusion strategy, which we learned about firsthand with some of the leaders that engineered it. 2020 was a challenging year for many people, and the pandemic drove RMS to pivot its programs to provide maximum benefits to Sponsorship 6,750 7,500 its members. New RMS staff were hired, and new officers were elected. This annual report outlines the variety of accomplishments Advertising Income 246 274 It is true that virtual events inevitably equate to lost face time Charitable contributions 5,728 4,230 with peers, Zoom fatigue, and distractions from the home or that RMS members and staff were still able to accomplish. Agreements 324,713 232,042 office. Despite these hurdles and some technical hiccups, we are grateful for such attentive participation and for our nimble Grant Income 20,950 7,340 River Training Center segments (of 1,972 total), 2,107 new access points (of 14,578 presenters’ time and expertise. Interest Earned 821 609 Due to the pandemic, a handful of workshops were postponed, total), and 21 new WSR segments of 354 total. Twenty-seven Perhaps the greatest irony of the event is how well-equipped we but then reconfigured and executed professionally. Trainings NRP segment descriptions were updated to include references to Membership 15,815 12,291 now feel to host a virtual event of this capacity in the future! included the River Access Planning Guide Webinar (June) and recreational flow release backstories and schedules. Products 302 2,231 However, while we feel that some virtual elements at the next 2-day Workshop (October), the Eleven Point CRMP Workshop Total Support $388,115 $294,790 Symposium might improve access to programming for those (October), Better Bank Restoration Workshop (November), and Hydropower License Summaries unable to travel, we greatly missed gathering in person and can’t the Green River CRMP Workshop (December). In total, the RMS, with the assistance and funding from the Hydropower Expenses 2020 2019 wait to see you all at the next one! RTC facilitated 9 workshops, provided individualized training Reform Coalition, completed two new hydropower license/ regarding 5 rivers and hosted more than 250 attendees. The RTC settlement summaries. We also updated sixteen license notices. Training & Education 183,619 211,455 Video Channel also went live with past webinars and trainings. Public Awareness 47,293 53,507 We want to close with special thanks to the following: River Studies and Leadership General & Administrative 118,916 36,696 Pandemic Response Webinars RMS sent certificates to over 20 graduates and a certificate of Fundraising 5,000 5,000 Symposium Chairs: These webinars focused on the challenges river professionals completion to their respective schools. Additionally, toolkits were Total Support Services $354,828 $306,658 Risa Shimoda, River Management Society were facing during the pandemic, and allowed participants to provided for advisors to help recruit students, an alumni database Lynn Crump, Virginia Dept of Conservation and Recreation share stories and ideas to address these challenges. The first of was developed to keep graduates from the program in touch, two webinars held in April, led by Confluence Research and and a Facebook page was developed for current students and Net Income $33,287 $-11,868 Dr. James Vonesh, Virginia Commonwealth University Consulting, enjoyed the highest ever attendance for this type of graduates of the program to continue to network with each other. meeting with over 100 people participating, and we exceeded attendance levels again in early summer. Program Chair: Helen Clough Outreach A-DASH (Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment) Digital outreach has ramped up in a very new way for RMS State River Programs Working Group Collaborative Marketing Chair: Emma Lord, National Park Service during 2020. The website was revised, and social media outreach This is a new collaborative whose mission is to support and RMS hosted ‘best practices for today, anyway’ meetings through increased. A great contribution to the website was a presentation train professionals in service to workspaces safe from the effect the spring and early summer for members to learn what others from veteran WSR expert Jackie Diedrich. She provides a guide of sexual harassment. The program was founded with support RMS Staff: Angie Fuhrmann, James Major and Bekah Price were doing. Meeting settings were an open platform, where to the revision of the WSR framework and delivers resources for from NPS and an impressive level of commitment and expertise sessions were not recorded, and participants were able to share the most necessary information. She also helps differentiate RMS by a core team of professionals: academicians, raft company and explore ideas about the need for change within organizations, u from the other WSR-related organizations and online authorities owners, nonprofit leaders, and training professionals who share Last, but not least: Our gracious volunteers! specifically related to equity in workplace, attitude, and (e.g., American Rivers, American Whitewater and rivers.gov). a love of rivers. The A-dashcollaborative.org website and social workforce planning. RMS members were surveyed concerning media launched in the fourth quarter and the group presented topics of diversity and equity in the workforce. Some of the its approach to nourishing healthy workspaces to the America results showed that members who work in large organizations felt Staff Outdoors Association annual conference attendees. Pilot trainings they had no voice in the matter or if they pursued these topics, RMS was able to hire 3 new staff positions in 2020. Angie were held with two outfitters and two more planned. they would not be recognized. Due to a September Executive Fuhrmann, the River Training Center Coordinator and Bekah Order, the diversity discussion shifted, and the focus again was Price, the Communications Coordinator joined RMS in June. on COVID-19 response protocols for managers, guides, and other James Major, the National Rivers Project Coordinator, started Wild and Scenic Rivers Coalition river professionals. Discussions included how to fund river access in August. We feel very fortunate to have these talented and RMS participated in the first annual Hill Week for rivers, and areas and how to manage increased use, as recreation visitation dedicated staff on our team! continues to participate in virtual calls, contributing to the has skyrocketed around the country. development of the website and planning for the 2021 Hill Week. Chapters, Membership National Rivers Project We have begun to move the membership needle toward the goal Ohio River Basin Alliance Recreation Working Group In 2020, RMS added US FWS refuges that promote river of 2000 by the end of 2022! Chapters have begun a discussion This group supports a multiple-year plan to brand the Ohio River recreation, rivers designated through the Dingell Act in the about changing the chapter borders, and this discussion will Basin as a recreational entity, using the National River Recreation Northeast, initiated the addition of Wild and Scenic Rivers continue through 2021. In 2020, RMS gained a net total of 125 Database for the region’s online guide. This partnership also managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and also added new members, and the Membership Committee is currently seeks to encourage the inclusion of river recreation in the State a notice for rivers that have reliable flow thanks to hydropower discussing new strategies for outreach and retention. Outdoor Recreation Plans (SORPs) to be developed in 2021. u releases. The National Rivers Project additions included 326 new

34 Journal Summer 2021 35 4) What is the southern terminus of the ‘Guess my River’ Contest Ohio and Erie Canal? This stumped the audience! by Risa Shimoda

RMS added a change of pace the questions were challenging for those Here are some of the questions, during the 2021 River Management outside the river’s region, so a few went answers, and winners (names noted next Symposium, after keynotes or before unanswered. to a star!) — along with the river photos other plenary presentations. James Major James commented afterward, “It reminding us why we do what we do! emceed, sharing river photos contributed was awesome to see how many people The 2021 River Management earlier this year by members and asking wanted to share photos of their rivers with Symposium Steering Committee thanks all participants to identify the river based on others! Some of the questions and photos river content contributors, contest winners, 5) What is the name of this river, also a question or clue provided in a phrase submitted were really tough and I was and our great emcee, James Major. It was or brief statement. The first to answer pleased, though not shocked, that so many such a fun way to celebrate rivers, with a known as the Grand Canyon of the East? correctly in the Zoom chat won. Many of were identified by our participants.” little competition — we will do this again! P Jennifer Wampler

6) This river has a wildlife refuge named after it.

P Helen Clough

1) If early California explorers 2) What is the Capital city canal 3) Native Americans used a sinuous had known their fish species that bypasses Class IV rapids? moving hand signal indicating they “lived near the river with many fish” better, they would have named 7) Name the South Carolina State when communicating with the European this the Lamprey River. Chris DeWitt Scenic River near Kingstree, famous for explorers who misinterpreted them when P early settlement Township in 1700’s. naming this river. Dave Cernicek P Leighton Powell

P Kip Mumaw P

6) Kanuti River, AK, Barry Whitehill 7) Black River, SC, Mary Crockett Mary SC, River, Black 7) Whitehill Barry AK, River, Kanuti 6)

WY/ID/OR/WA, Dave Cernicek 4) The mouth of the Scioto River at Portsmouth, OH, Jerry Schulte 5) Russell Fork River, VA/KY, Ronnie Hylton Hylton Ronnie VA/KY, River, Fork Russell 5) Schulte Jerry OH, Portsmouth, at River Scioto the of mouth The 4) Cernicek Dave WY/ID/OR/WA,

(river, photo credit or courtesy) — 1) Eel River, CA, Zane Ruddy 2) Richmond’s Kanawha Canal, VisitRichmondVA.com 3) Snake River, River, Snake 3) VisitRichmondVA.com Canal, Kanawha Richmond’s 2) Ruddy Zane CA, River, Eel 1) — courtesy) or credit photo (river, ANSWERS

36 Journal Summer 2021 37 Welcome! New RMS Members Chapter Officers RMS Membership BLM AK BLM NV ALASKA SOUTHWEST Name______Associates Teri Balser, Fairbanks Barb Keleher, Reno David W. Schade, MPA, President Matt Blocker, President Richard Thomas Moore, Chairman, Board Tim DuPont, Fairbanks Tammy Owens, Elko Alaska Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Land Management Home Address______550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1020 440 West 200 South, Suite 500 of Directors, Blackstone Valley National Eric Yeager, Fairbanks Paul Fuselier, Carson City Anchorage, AK 99501-3577 Salt Lake City, UT 84106 Scott Justham, Anchorage Nicole Cutler, Carson City (907) 269-8645 / cell (907) 230-6061 (801) 539-4021/ [email protected] City______Heritage Corridor, Inc. Whitinsville, MA [email protected] Denton Hamby, Glennallen Stew Pappenfort, Vice President Cassie Thomas, Vice President Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Retired State______Zip______Duncan Hay, Hydropower Licensing BLM OR National Park Service, Retired 308 Palmer St, Salida, CO 81201 BLM AZ Heidi Anderson, Klamath Falls 11081 Glazanof Dr (719) 221-4905 / [email protected] Specialist, NPS-RTCA, Boston, MA Anchorage, AK 99507 Home Phone______Geoff Walsh, Phoenix Nicholas Weber, Prineville (907) 677-9191 / [email protected] Stuart Schneider, Secretary Michael Anderson, Prineville NPS / BLM, Retired Erik Hazelton, New Milford, CT Sharon Seim, Secretary 906 Sunny Slope Drive, Gunnison, CO 81230 Organization______BLM CA Diane Priebe (Wenatchee, WA) US Forest Service (970) 631-2541 / [email protected] PO Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99801 Leigh Karp, Moreno Valley Evan Smith, North Bend (907) 586-8804 / [email protected] Ericka Pilcher, Events Coordinator Office______Sarah L Waterworth, Chief of National Park Service Administration, DOI-NPS-SACN Andrew Archuleta, Moreno Valley Cara Hand, Salem 4972 Easley Road, Golden, CO 80403 Saint Croix Falls, WI James Gannon, Moreno Valley Jeanne Klein, Medford NORTHWEST (970) 219-8213 / [email protected] Work Address______Chris Otahal, Barstow David Sanders, Springfield Lisa Byers, President Salmon River Ranger District NORTHEAST City______Marty Dickes, Ridgecrest Cheyne Rossbach, Roseburg 304 Slate Creek Road, White Bird, ID 83554 Carrie Woods, Ridgecrest (208) 839-2146 / [email protected] Emma Lord, President Professionals National Park Service State______Zip______Alden Neel, Redding BLM UT Colin Maas, Vice President 54 Portsmouth St, Concord, NH 03301 Bridget Moran, Conservation Associate, Kristen Lalumiere, Palm Springs Cory Jensen, Price Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (603) 224-0091 / [email protected] 4600 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405 Work Phone______American Rivers, Bellingham, WA Mark Massar, Palm Springs Raven Chavez, Kanab (406) 454-5857 / [email protected] John Field, Vice President Field Geology Services Dan Kasang, Palm Springs Martin Hudson, Secretary P.O. Box 985, Farmington, ME 04938 Email______Aaron Selig, River Manager, Ashley Bureau of Land Management, Retired (207) 645-9773 / [email protected] Dani Ortiz, Palm Springs BLM WY P.O. Box 92, Pinedale, WY 82941 National Forest, Dutch John, UT Tobias Felbeck, Redding Joel Klosterman, Assistant Field Manager, (307) 367-5315 / [email protected] John Little, Trip Coordinator Job Title______Missisquoi River Basin Association Laura Brodhead, Redding Pinedale Joni Gore, Events Coordinator 737 Rushford Valley Rd Sarah Bursky, WSR Manager, National Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming Montgomery Ctr, VT 05471 Duties/interests______(temp) 2310 Cornell St, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (802) 326-4164 / [email protected] Park Service, Philadelphia, PA BLM CO (408) 386-0856 / [email protected] ______John Monkouski, Kremmling Nonprofits SOUTHEAST Ryan Lee Abrahamsen, Owner, Terrain360 Paula Belcher, Kremmling Maryann Carroll, Executive Director, Jane Polansky, President ______LLC, Richmond, VA Justin Jones, Silt Tennessee State Parks Delaware River Greenway Partnership, Wm. R. Snodgrass TN Tower, 2nd Floor Jeff Christenson, Dolores 213 Rosa Parks Ave, Nashville TN 37243 Rivers you manage______Christopher Colvin, Outdoor Recreation Britta Nelson, Program Analyst / WSR Stockton, NJ (615) 456-3843 / [email protected] Planner, US Forest Service, Research Program, Grand Junction RMS is fueled by the amazing ______Tom Martin, Council Member, River PACIFIC Triangle Park, NC Zachary Ormsby, Grand Junction (vacant) Runners For Wilderness, Flagstaff, AZ energy of its members — and, Paula Cutillo, Grand Junction MIDWEST Loren Flynn, Regional Park Manager, MT Valerie Liggins, The Cameron Foundation, chapters are always looking (vacant) Membership Category (please check one) Petersburg, VA ❐ Professional $50/yr ($200 for 5 years - save $50!) Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, BLM ID for leaders who care about Canadian River Management Society ❐ Associate $30/yr Missoula, MT Casey Steenhoven, Marsing Contact: Max Finkelstein the management of rivers. tel (613) 729-4004 / [email protected] ❐ Student $25/yr Ryan Homan, Marsing Students Potential chapter officers are ❐ Lifetime $500 (for individuals only) Nathan Jayo, Twin Falls ❐ Governmental / Corporate Organization $150/yr Corporate / Government Scott Maclean, Twin Falls Nichole Jordan Sanchez, Northern team players who love working ❐ Governmental / Corporate Plus $200/yr Organizations David Draheim, Boise Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ with others and believe a ❐ NGO/Non-profit Organization $75/yr Jared Fluckiger, Boise regional dialogue would Membership in Kris Schachel, Emriver, Carbondale, IL Angela Beley, Challis Danielle Hare, University of Connecticut, Membership benefits are described online: www.river-management.org/membership Cecilia Lopez, Idaho Falls Storrs, CT help local members and the RMS makes a Triston Oswald, Fireside Outdoors, organization as a whole — great gift for a Who referred you to RMS? ______Surprise, AZ BLM MT University of Richmond, VA are you ready to serve? colleague or friend! Courtney Frost, Butte Sydney Thomas Make checks payable to “RMS” Ohio River Basin Alliance Jason Oles, Dillon Brianna Lebeck RMS also accepts VISA or Mastercard: Heather Mayfield, Cincinnati, OH Jaime Tompkins, Dillon RMS is a non-profit professional organization. All contributions and membership dues are tax-deductible. Chuck Somerville, Huntington, WV Chris McGrath, Dillon Virginia Commonwealth University Card #: ______Maria Craig, Missoula Jordan Lubetkin, Ann Arbor, MI Brian Tyler Dagliano, Sandston Exp date: ______Amount: ______Craig Butler, New Philadelphia, OH Paul Sever, Fort Benton Charles Ryland Stunkle, Richmond Richard Harrison, Cincinnati, OH Catherine M. Steele, Charlottesville Send this form, with payment, to: Harry Stone, Chair, Cincinnati, OH BLM NM Chris E Hobson, Richmond RMS, P.O. Box 5750, Takoma Park, MD 20913-5750 Sarah Stone, Dayton, OH McKinney Briske, Santa Fe Joshua T Armstrong, Richmond (301) 585-4677 • [email protected] Grace C. Lumsden-Cook, Richmond

38 Journal Summer 2021 39 Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit 536 Missoula MT 59801

RMS, P.O. Box 5750, Takoma Park MD 20913

Midwest Chapter Focus

RMS Awards ...... 1 Paddle the Kish in Marengo ...... 7 Origin Park on the Ohio River ...... 8 Des Plaines Canoe and Kayak Marathon ...... 10 Dam Removal on the Des Plaines River ...... 11 RMS Journal Ohio River Islands Kayak Challenge ...... 13 Lower Wisconsin River Cleanup ...... 17 Submission deadlines: Lower Wisconsin - Wetland of International Importance ...... 18 Fabulous Fox Water Trail ...... 19 Illinois Paddle Club Fought the Law and Won ...... 20 Fall 2021 Vol. 34, No. 3 Southwest Aug 1 Iowa River Revival ...... 22 Winter 2021 Vol. 34, No. 4 Northwest Nov 1 Iowa’s Dam Removal Program ...... 23 Spring 2022 Vol. 35, No. 1 Northeast Feb 1 Announcing - Allagash Wilderness Waterway Trip ...... 25 Summer 2022 Vol. 35, No. 2 Pacific May 1 Canoecopia ...... 26 Fall 2022 Vol. 35, No. 3 Alaska Aug 1 River Rangering During a Pandemic ...... 28 Winter 2022 Vol. 35, No. 4 Southeast Nov 1 Evaluation of the Mehlich-3 Soil Test ...... 30